Secure your future with
a college degree

Our mission is to provide comprehensive, transparent, and data-driven information about higher educational degrees to help every student find the best educational fit for their career goals.

We believe that every person deserves a satisfying career, and that getting the right degree is the crucial first step in that journey. However, today’s students face an overwhelming landscape—thousands of universities offering tens of thousands of programs—without adequate resources to navigate their options.

We address this challenge by:

• Researching tens of thousands of degree programs across all levels (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate)
• Collecting and analyzing data from authoritative sources including IPEDS, NCES, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Evaluating programs using our comprehensive 20-component methodology
• Publishing rankings, guides, and resources that make complex educational decisions clearer

Our commitment extends beyond rankings. We provide scholarship information, financial aid guidance, career insights, and educational resources—all designed to empower students to make informed decisions about their educational investment.

Our rankings are built on verified data from authoritative government and institutional sources, ensuring high accuracy and reliability. We source information directly from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which surveys all FAFSA-participating institutions annually, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)—the official U.S. repository for education data—and individual university websites for program-specific details.

We apply a comprehensive 20-component methodology that evaluates factors including affordable tuition, program flexibility, expert instructors, accreditation status, student support services, and acceptance/retention/graduation rates. This multi-dimensional approach ensures our rankings reflect both quantitative metrics and qualitative factors that matter to students.Importantly, we maintain strict editorial independence. Our research team operates separately from our business development functions, meaning schools cannot pay for higher rankings. All evaluations are based solely on data and our established methodology, which you can review in detail on our FBD’s Ranking Methodology page.

FindBestDegrees.com was founded in 2022 by Sai Yallapragada. 

FindBestDegrees.com is headquartered in Reno, Nevada, at 75 McCabe Dr #19186, Reno, NV 89511. You can reach us at Contact@FindBestDegrees.com for any questions or inquiries about our services.

Our ranking methodology analyzes programs across 20 distinct components designed to reflect what matters most to today’s students. We evaluate:

• Affordability factors: Cost per credit, overall fees, and financial aid availability
• Flexibility measures: Program delivery modes (online, on-campus, hybrid), synchronous and asynchronous learning options, multiple intake periods, and accelerated program availability
• Academic quality indicators: Instructor qualifications and experience, student-teacher ratios, college and program accreditation status, and institutional reputation
• Student success metrics: Acceptance, retention, and graduation (A-R-G) rates sourced from IPEDS data
• Program features: Specialization options, curriculum flexibility, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and infrastructure quality
• Student support: Comprehensive student services and extra-curricular activities

Each component is weighted based on its impact on student outcomes, and all data comes from trusted sources including IPEDS, NCES, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and direct university reporting. We update our rankings regularly to reflect the most current information available, ensuring students make decisions based on accurate, up-to-date data.

While both FindBestDegrees.com and US News provide valuable rankings, our approaches differ in important ways that may serve different student needs.

Our methodology emphasizes practical factors that directly impact the student experience: affordability, program flexibility, accelerated options, admissions accessibility (such as no GRE/GMAT requirements), and multiple intake periods throughout the year. We use a 20-component framework that weighs these student-centric factors heavily, drawing from IPEDS, NCES, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

We also maintain strict editorial independence—schools cannot influence their rankings through financial relationships with us. Our research team operates separately from business development to ensure objectivity.

US News employs its own established methodology with different weightings and criteria. We encourage students to consult multiple ranking sources, including ours and US News, to gain a comprehensive view. Different rankings highlight different strengths, and the “best” program ultimately depends on your individual priorities—whether that’s cost, flexibility, specialization options, or other factors.

Our commitment is to provide transparent, data-driven rankings that help you find the educational fit that aligns with your specific career goals and circumstances.

We are committed to providing current, accurate information and update our data regularly to reflect the latest available statistics. Our primary sources—IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), NCES (National Center for Education Statistics), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics—release updated datasets on annual cycles, and we incorporate this new information as soon as it becomes available.

Beyond these scheduled updates, we continuously monitor university websites and program offerings to capture real-time changes in tuition, program availability, admission requirements, and other critical details. Major rankings are refreshed annually, while program-specific information may be updated more frequently based on institutional changes.

This commitment to data currency ensures that when you’re making important educational decisions, you’re working with the most recent and reliable information available.

While our company profile focuses on our current mission and methodology, our broader vision centers on becoming the most trusted, comprehensive resource for students navigating higher education decisions.

We envision expanding our coverage to include more granular program comparisons, enhanced career outcome data, and more sophisticated matching tools that help students find their ideal educational fit based on their unique circumstances and goals. We’re committed to maintaining our editorial independence while continuously improving how we collect, analyze, and present information.

As higher education evolves—with growing emphasis on online learning, alternative credentials, and competency-based programs—we aim to evolve alongside it, ensuring our rankings and resources remain relevant and valuable. Ultimately, we believe every person deserves a satisfying career, and we’re building the tools and content to help students take that crucial first step with confidence.

We source our data exclusively from authoritative, verifiable sources to ensure accuracy and reliability:

• Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): Our primary source for comprehensive institutional data, including enrollment statistics, graduation rates, tuition costs, and program offerings. IPEDS surveys all colleges and universities that participate in federal student aid programs.
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): The official U.S. Department of Education repository for education-related statistics and research.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides career-related statistics, employment projections, and salary data that help students understand career outcomes.
• University websites: For program-specific details, admission requirements, and current tuition information directly from institutions.
• Studentaid.gov: Official Federal Student Aid office data on financial aid options and FAFSA information.

By relying on these government databases and direct institutional sources rather than third-party aggregators, we ensure the information we provide is both accurate and verifiable. You can learn more about our data sources and ranking process on our FBD’s Ranking Methodology page.

Our LinkedIn account is managed by our marketing and communications team as part of our broader social media presence. We use our LinkedIn showcase page to share educational insights, ranking updates, scholarship opportunities, and industry news relevant to prospective students and education professionals. Our content is developed in collaboration with our editorial team and subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and value. For specific inquiries about our LinkedIn presence or partnership opportunities, please contact us at Contact@FindBestDegrees.com.

FindBestDegrees.com operates as a focused startup dedicated to creating high-quality educational content. While we maintain a lean of 20+ professionals, efficient team structure, we work with a network of credentialed experts and specialists across various academic disciplines. Our expert contributors include Ph.D. holders, certified professionals, and experienced practitioners in fields ranging from education and healthcare to engineering and business—all listed on our Authors and Experts page. This collaborative model allows us to deliver comprehensive, authoritative content while maintaining the agility and innovation of a startup environment.

We believe in complete transparency about our business model. FindBestDegrees.com generates revenue through advertising partnerships with universities, colleges, and educational programs that we feature on our platform.

Here’s how it works: We clearly mark all advertisements using terms such as “Advertisement,” “Ad,” “Sponsored,” or “About Our Partners” to ensure users can easily distinguish between editorial content and paid placements. When users interact with these advertisements or make school selections through our program search tool, we may receive compensation from our partner institutions. We also work with affiliate partners and media companies.

Critically, our editorial independence is maintained through strict organizational separation. Our revenue relationships do not influence our rankings, guides, or editorial content. Our research team operates independently from our business development team, and they do not rank any school or program based on financial relationships. All rankings are based solely on data from IPEDS, NCES, university websites, and our established 20-component methodology.

This model allows us to provide free, comprehensive resources to students while sustaining the dedicated research and content creation that makes our platform valuable. You can learn more about our approach on our Editorial Values and Practices page.

No. Absolutely not. This is a cornerstone of our editorial integrity.

While we do generate revenue through advertising partnerships with universities and educational programs, our rankings are never influenced by financial relationships. We maintain strict organizational separation between our business development team (which manages partnerships) and our editorial/research team (which creates rankings and content).

Our researchers, writers, and editors rely exclusively on:

• Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System)
• NCES (National Center for Education Statistics)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• University websites
• Our proprietary 20-component methodology

No school can pay for a higher ranking position. Our rankings reflect objective analysis of data across factors like tuition costs, graduation rates, accreditation, program flexibility, student support services, and other measurable criteria that impact student success.

This independence is essential to our mission of helping students find genuinely excellent programs, and we’re committed to maintaining it. You can review our complete editorial approach on our Editorial Values and Practices page.

Student outcomes are an important consideration in evaluating educational programs, and we incorporate this data through multiple components of our 20-point methodology:

Career and Salary Data: We reference Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data extensively, which provides industry-standard information on career-related statistics, employment projections, and salary ranges for various fields. This helps students understand the career landscape associated with different degree programs.

Institutional Success Metrics: We analyze Acceptance, Retention, and Graduation (A-R-G) rates from IPEDS data, which serve as indicators of institutional quality and student success. Higher retention and graduation rates often correlate with better student outcomes.

Reputation Factors: Our methodology includes evaluation of institutional and program reputation, which is often informed by employer perception and graduate success in the field.

While comprehensive post-graduation employment and salary data can be challenging to obtain consistently across all institutions (as reporting standards vary), we prioritize the most reliable and verifiable outcome indicators available from authoritative sources. As data transparency in higher education continues to improve, we’re committed to incorporating more granular outcome metrics into our evaluations.

Preventing bias in our ranking methodology is essential to providing fair, useful guidance to students. We take several specific measures:

Objective, Multi-Source Data: We rely on verified data from government sources (IPEDS, NCES, BLS) and direct institutional reporting rather than subjective assessments or single-source information. This reduces reliance on any single data point that might introduce bias.

Comprehensive 20-Component Framework: Rather than weighting one or two factors heavily, our methodology evaluates programs across 20 different components—from affordability and accreditation to student support and program flexibility. This multi-dimensional approach prevents any single factor from disproportionately influencing rankings and ensures diverse program strengths are recognized.

Transparent Methodology: We publish our ranking criteria openly so students and institutions can understand exactly how programs are evaluated. This transparency allows for external scrutiny and accountability.

Regular Methodology Review: We continuously assess our components and weighting to ensure they reflect factors that genuinely impact student success and satisfaction, adjusting as educational landscapes evolve.

Editorial Independence: Our separation of editorial and business functions ensures that financial relationships don’t create bias in favor of advertising partners.

Diverse Program Recognition: By including components like “multiple intakes,” “no GRE/GMAT requirements,” and “synchronous/asynchronous options,” we recognize excellence in different forms, ensuring traditional and innovative programs alike can rank well based on their merits.

These measures work together to create rankings that are fair, comprehensive, and genuinely useful for students with diverse needs and goals.

Q. Do you utilize AI in your ranking process, or is it human-led research?

Our ranking process combines both technological tools and human expertise to ensure accuracy, comprehensiveness, and meaningful analysis.

Data Collection and Processing: We use algorithms and technology to collect, organize, and process large volumes of data from sources like IPEDS, NCES, and university websites. This allows us to efficiently analyze tens of thousands of programs across our 20-component methodology.

Human Research and Analysis: Our team of credentialed experts and researchers—including Ph.D. holders and experienced professionals across various disciplines—provides essential oversight, context, and interpretation. They verify data accuracy, evaluate qualitative factors, write program analyses and guides, and ensure our rankings reflect meaningful distinctions that matter to students.

Quality Control: Human reviewers check for data inconsistencies, validate unusual findings, and ensure our rankings make sense in the broader educational context.

This hybrid approach leverages the efficiency of technology for data processing while maintaining the critical thinking, subject matter expertise, and ethical judgment that only human researchers can provide. Our experts are listed on our Authors and Experts page, demonstrating our commitment to credentialed, accountable content creation.

We welcome data updates and corrections from university registrars and institutional research offices to ensure our information remains accurate and current.

Direct Contact: University representatives can email us at Contact@FindBestDegrees.com with updated program information, tuition changes, accreditation updates, or corrections to existing listings. Please include:

• Institution name and specific program(s) affected
• The current information on our site that needs updating
• The correct, updated information with verification (links to official university pages, catalog excerpts, etc.)
• Contact information for follow-up questions

Ongoing Monitoring: Our research team also proactively monitors IPEDS data releases, university websites, and official institutional communications to capture updates as they occur.

We appreciate institutional cooperation in maintaining data accuracy, as it directly benefits prospective students making important educational decisions. We typically review and process verified updates within 2-4 weeks of submission.

Our editorial content, including spotlights and interviews, is developed to provide valuable information and perspectives to prospective students. Selection criteria include:

• Editorial Relevance: Programs or institutions that exemplify excellence in specific areas (innovative program delivery, exceptional student support, unique specializations, outstanding outcomes) that would benefit our audience.
• Newsworthiness: Schools launching notable new programs, achieving significant accreditations, or implementing innovative approaches to education that represent important trends in higher education.
• Geographic or Demographic Diversity: Ensuring our content represents diverse institutions serving different student populations and regions.
• Data-Supported Excellence: Institutions that perform well across our 20-component methodology or demonstrate particular strength in areas important to students.
• Educational Value: Stories that provide actionable insights, inspiration, or guidance for prospective students navigating their educational journey.

Importantly, spotlight features and interviews are editorial decisions made independently by our content team—they are not available for purchase and are not influenced by advertising relationships. If you believe your institution has a compelling story that would benefit prospective students, contact us at Contact@FindBestDegrees.com with details about what makes your program noteworthy.

Questions about data licensing, research partnerships, or bulk data access should be directed to Contact@FindBestDegrees.com. Our team can discuss specific research needs, potential collaborations, and whether your project aligns with our mission and data use policies.

Please note that much of our source data comes from publicly available government databases (IPEDS, NCES, BLS), which researchers can access directly. Our proprietary contribution involves the analytical framework, methodology, and synthesized insights we apply to this data—and any licensing discussions would focus on these elements.

Protecting user privacy is a fundamental responsibility. Our approach includes:

• Transparent Privacy Practices: We maintain a comprehensive Privacy Policy that explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it. We encourage all users to review this policy.
• Limited Data Collection: For general browsing and research on our site, we collect only the information necessary to provide our services and improve user experience.
• Secure Handling: Any personal information users choose to provide (such as through contact forms or newsletter subscriptions) is handled securely and used only for stated purposes.
• Third-Party Standards: When we work with advertising partners or analytics providers, we ensure they meet appropriate privacy and security standards.
• User Control: Users can manage their preferences, unsubscribe from communications, and request information about data we hold through our Unsubscribe/Do Not Sell My Info page.

We do not sell personal student information to third parties, and we’re committed to compliance with applicable privacy regulations. For specific privacy questions or concerns, please review our Privacy Policy or contact us at Contact@FindBestDegrees.com.

FindBestDegrees.com is primarily a self-service information platform designed to empower students to research and compare programs independently using our comprehensive rankings, guides, and resources.

What We Provide:

• Detailed program rankings across all degree levels
• Comprehensive guides on degrees, majors, careers, and student resources
• Comparison tools and search functionality
• Articles, FAQs, and educational content
• Information on scholarships, costs, and admission requirements

What We Don’t Provide: We do not currently offer individual counseling, personalized advising, or one-on-one guidance services. Our model focuses on creating high-quality, accessible information that helps students make informed decisions at their own pace.

Finding Personalized Support: For personalized counseling, we recommend:

• Academic advisors at your current or prospective institutions
• Licensed educational consultants
• High school guidance counselors
• Financial aid offices at specific schools

Our platform serves as a powerful research tool to inform those conversations and help you arrive at advising sessions with focused questions and clear preferences.

We take data accuracy seriously and welcome reports of discrepancies from students and other users.

To Report an Issue: Email us at Contact@FindBestDegrees.com with the following information:

• Specific page or program listing where you found the discrepancy
• What information appears to be incorrect
• The correct information (if known) with a source (link to university website, official catalog, etc.)
• Your contact information in case we need clarification

Our Response Process:

1. We’ll acknowledge your report promptly
2. Our research team will verify the discrepancy against authoritative sources (IPEDS, NCES, official university data)
3. If confirmed, we’ll update the information typically within 2-4 weeks
4. For significant discrepancies, we may follow up with you about the resolution

Your feedback helps us maintain the accuracy and reliability that students depend on, and we genuinely appreciate users who take time to alert us to potential errors.

Yes, our content is valuable for international students considering U.S. higher education, though it’s primarily designed for the U.S. market.

How We Help International Students:

• Program Information: Our rankings and guides cover U.S. universities and programs comprehensively, including online programs that may offer more flexibility for international applicants
• Cost Transparency: We provide detailed information on tuition and fees, helping international students understand the financial investment
• Accreditation Information: We highlight accreditation status, which is important for international degree recognition
• Career Data: BLS salary and employment information can help international students understand U.S. job market outcomes

What International Students Should Know:

• Our financial aid and scholarship information primarily covers U.S. citizens and residents—international students typically have different aid options
• Admission requirements for international students (visa documentation, English proficiency tests, credential evaluation) are generally not our focus, though some program listings may include this information
• We recommend international students also consult university international student offices and resources like EducationUSA for country-specific guidance

Accessibility Features: Our website is accessible globally, and all content is in English. We welcome students from around the world to use our research tools as part of their U.S. higher education exploration.

We welcome inquiries and feedback from students, educators, and university representatives. You can reach us at:

• Email: Contact@FindBestDegrees.com
• Mailing Address: 75 McCabe Dr #19186, Reno, NV 89511
• Social Media: Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X 

For specific requests—such as data corrections, partnership inquiries, or media requests—please include relevant details in your email, and we’ll route your message to the appropriate team member. We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly.