Yahoo Finance

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story misstated the order the schools were ranked in. We regret the error.

(KRON) — Two Bay Area universities are among the best in the U.S. when it comes to return on investment, according to a new report. Santa Clara University and Stanford have been distinguished as among the best four-year colleges in the nation when it comes to ROI, according to US News & World Report.

“Although students and families are increasingly questioning the value of higher education, a degree often still comes with economic and community benefits,” the report read. “Colleges that award bachelor’s degrees offer the highest long-term returns, while community colleges and certificate programs provide better short-term returns,” the report said.

Out of the 22 schools that made the list, US News & World Report ranked Santa Clara University 21st, in a tie with Yale.

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“Santa Clara University offers bachelor’s degree-holders a return on investment of $3,381,000 after 40 years,” the report said. “Tuition and fees at the California college were $61,293 in 2024-2025, and the average total indebtedness of those in the 2023 graduating class who borrowed to pay for college was $25,337.” Santa Clara University is ranked 63rd overall for national universities, the report said.

Further up the list, Stanford University was ranked 6th out of 22, right below the California Institute of Technology.

“The return on investment from a degree at Stanford University in California has a net present value of $3,872,000 after 40 years,” said the report. “In 2024-2025, tuition and fees cost $65,910. Students in the 2023 graduating class who borrowed to pay for college had an average total indebtedness of $21,372.” Stanford is ranked 4th overall for national universities, according to US News & World Report.

Here are the 22 best colleges for return on investment:

1. Harvey Mudd College (CA)

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3. Princeton University (NJ)

4. University of Pennsylvania

5. California Institute of Technology

6. Stanford University (CA)

7. Carnegie Mellon University (PA)

8. Bentley University (MA

9. Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)

10. Lehigh University (PA)

11. Georgetown University (DC)

12. Massachusetts Maritime Academy

13. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)

14. Claremont McKenna College (CA)

15. Georgia Institute of Technology

16. Columbia University (NY)

17. Cornell University (NY)

18. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)

19. Harvard University (MA)

20. Yale University (CT)

21. Santa Clara University (CA)

22. Duke University (NC)