The Princeton Review has released its “Best Colleges for 2027” rankings, a set of 50 category-based lists built entirely from student feedback—an approach designed to help applicants and families focus less on prestige and more on campus fit.

The rankings are now searchable for free on PrincetonReview.com and are also published in a dedicated chapter of The Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition (Penguin Random House, $26.99), which went on sale August 18.

A rankings system built on student experience

Unlike lists that attempt to name a single “best” college overall, The Princeton Review’s project breaks the undergraduate experience into categories that mirror real questions students and parents ask: How good are the professors? Is financial aid strong? What’s campus food like? Do students feel supported?

This year’s rankings are based on surveys of 172,000 students at the 392 colleges featured in the book—about 439 students per school on average. Students completed a 98-question survey rating academics, administrative services, financial aid, campus amenities, and social dynamics, including topics like political leanings, race/class interaction, and LGBTQ acceptance.

Each ranking list names the top 25 schools in a specific category, using data drawn from one or more survey questions. The Princeton Review also posts information online about how each list is calculated.

Rob Franek, Editor-in-Chief at The Princeton Review and lead author of the guide, emphasized that the schools profiled vary widely by “type, size, locale, and campus culture,” but each offers an academically strong undergraduate education. He also reiterated a key point behind the project: there is no single “best” college—only the best fit for a given student.

Notable #1 schools across the 2027 lists

The 2027 rankings highlight how different “best” can look depending on what matters most to a student.

For academics and campus operations, several schools earned top spots:

• Professors Get High Marks: Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering (Massachusetts)
• Best Classroom Experience: Reed College (Oregon)
• Best-Run Colleges: Claremont McKenna College (California)
• Great Financial Aid: Washington and Lee University (Virginia)
• Best Career Services: Bentley University (Massachusetts)
• Best Health Services: The University of Chicago (Illinois)
• Best Student Support and Counseling Services: Macalester College (Minnesota)

Campus life categories also drew attention:

• Best Campus Food: University of Massachusetts—Amherst
• Best College Dorms: Bowdoin College (Maine)
• Most Beautiful Campus: University of San Diego (California)

The lists also capture student-reported culture and community dynamics:

• Most Politically Conservative Students: Texas Christian University
• Most Politically Liberal Students: Bennington College (Vermont)
• Most Politically Moderate Students: Manhattan University (New York)
• Most Religious Students: Brigham Young University (Utah)
• LGBTQ-Friendly: University of Vermont
• Lots of Race/Class Interaction: Rice University (Texas)
• Friendliest Students: William & Mary (Virginia)
• Happiest Students: Vanderbilt University (Tennessee)

One new addition in the 2027 edition is “Great Outdoors: Students Get Outside,” with The University of the South (Tennessee) ranked #1.

“Statistical Stand-Out Schools” adds a data lens

In addition to student rankings, The Best 392 Colleges includes a feature called “Statistical Stand-Out Schools for 2027,” based on surveys of college administrators. A few of the standout distinctions include:

• Lowest Tuition & Fees (In-State) / Public College: University of Central Florida ($5,954)
• Highest Average Need-Based Scholarships: Princeton University ($80,837)
• Lowest Student/Faculty Ratio: Caltech (3:1) and MIT (3:1)
• Lowest Average Undergraduate Debt: CUNY: City College ($7,849)
• Most Applications / Public College: UCLA (145,086)
• Most Applications / Private College: NYU (114,125)

For families weighing cost, support, and outcomes, these stats can provide a useful counterpoint to reputation-driven decision-making.

How to use the rankings

The Princeton Review’s 2027 lists are best used as a starting point for research: identify what you value most—teaching quality, career preparation, affordability, student support, or campus culture—then compare schools through that lens.

The full rankings hub is available at: www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges

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Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026

(Feature Impact)For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.

To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.

“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”

While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.

“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”

A Cost You Can Plan For

Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.

Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.

Factors Influencing Insurance Costs

Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are:

• Repair and replacement costs
• Historical claims experience
• Vehicle safety features and crash performance
• Theft frequency
• Availability and cost of replacement parts
• Vehicle performance characteristics

The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure

This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.

SUVs:

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Chevrolet Blazer
• Honda Pilot
• Kia Sportage
• Honda Passport

Trucks:

• Chevrolet Colorado LT
• Chevrolet Silverado C3500
• Ford Maverick and Ranger
• Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
• Toyota Tundra CrewMax

Sedans and Coupes:

• Volkswagen Golf R
• Acura Integra
• Honda Prelude
• Kia K4
• Mazda3

Electric and Hybrids:

• Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
• Chevrolet Blazer EV
• Kia Sportage Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Honda CR-V Hybrid

“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”

Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe)
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle

(Feature Impact) For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.

According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Accredited Debt Relief, a debt consolidation company specializing in unsecured debt relief, credit cards are no longer just a financial convenience but a tool for managing the rising cost of everyday necessities.

In fact, 66% of respondents reported having used a credit card to cover the cost of groceries within the last year. Other essentials aren’t far behind: 47% said they’ve used it for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs.

How Everyday Expenses Turn into Long-Term Debt

Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. For those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using a credit card to cover groceries or utility bills may seem manageable in the moment. When the unexpected happens – a car repair, medical bill or unusually high energy bill – however, the balance adds up for the 46% of respondents who take on additional debt at least most of the time an emergency occurs and, without an executable plan for repaying it, could shorten the runway for taking care of such expenses in the future.

Because nearly 3 in 10 survey respondents rely on credit or borrowing just to get through a typical month, the data suggests what may have been a stopgap has become a routine part of managing personal finances. In fact, one-third of survey respondents said they depend on credit more than they did a year ago.

Lack of a Financial Cushion Makes Paying Down Debt Difficult

Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings. Only 28% of respondents say they can cover expenses and save.

Additionally, 45% reported their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many said they’ve even put off taking a vacation or saving for the future due to their financial situations. When each paycheck is already committed to existing bills – 29% of respondents listed the cost of everyday expenses as the biggest barrier to reducing debt – making meaningful progress toward paying down debts becomes more difficult.

The Emotional Cost of Carrying Debt

Financial stress affects more than just the household budget. The survey found 25% of respondents are concerned about their financial future, with 12% worried they’re facing long-term financial instability. What’s more, nearly 7 in 10 said their current debt situation has negatively affected their mental well-being.

Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or financial support, these households may continue to rely on unsecured credit as a necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. To learn more and find support to regain financial stability, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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SOURCE:

Accredited Debt Relief

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