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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Individualized Studies Schools

165 Colleges in the United States
45,202 Individualized Studies Degrees Awarded
$36,110 Avg Early-Career Salary

Individualized Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their individualized studies programs.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 473 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for individualized studies students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Individualized Studies School

Best Individualized Studies Schools

The school you choose for individualized studies can shape your career. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Individualized Studies rankings. For our Best Overall Individualized Studies School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Individualized Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Individualized Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Individualized Studies
Master's Degrees in Individualized Studies
Doctoral Degrees in Individualized Studies

We offer several rankings, including this Best Individualized Studies Schools list, to help you decide. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

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Best Schools for Individualized Studies in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall individualized studies education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Individualized Studies

1

Leading the list is The University Of Texas At Austin, our #1 school for individualized studies. This very large public university is located in the city of Austin. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 121 individualized studies degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent year. Students who receive their individualized studies degree from The University Of Texas At Austin earn around $69,994 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,052 to complete this degree. Get the full individualized studies details for The University Of Texas At Austin

2
Dartmouth College crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #2 spot this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Hanover. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 36 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Dartmouth College in the most recent year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $81,992 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,989. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Dartmouth College

3
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Students looking for a strong individualized studies program will find one at Georgetown University, which ranked #3. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 15 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Georgetown University in the most recent year. Individualized Studies graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $66,719 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Georgetown University

4

A rank of #4 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the top schools for individualized studies. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. About 56 individualized studies degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Individualized Studies graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $59,877 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete this degree. Read more about the individualized studies program at University Of Wisconsin Madison

5

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in individualized studies, ranking #5. Located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo awarded about 18 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of $35,056 early in their careers. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in individualized studies from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

6

George Mason University earned the #6 position for individualized studies this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. George Mason University awarded about 146 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their individualized studies degree from George Mason University earn around $41,398 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,500. More information about a degree in individualized studies from George Mason University

7
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC

Duke University earned the #7 position for individualized studies this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Durham. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at Duke University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their individualized studies degree from Duke University earn around $51,346 in the first couple years of their career. Duke University graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Duke University

8

Southern Methodist University earned the #8 position for individualized studies this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Dallas. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 39 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at Southern Methodist University in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of Southern Methodist University earn a median of $57,967 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete this degree. Read more about the individualized studies program at Southern Methodist University

9

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best individualized studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of University Park. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. There were roughly 28 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Read more about the individualized studies program at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

10
Auburn University crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best individualized studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Auburn. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. Auburn University awarded about 11 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $55,422 early in their careers. Auburn University graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Get the full individualized studies details for Auburn University

11
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University landed the #11 spot for individualized studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Towson. About 70% of students finish within six years. About 12 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Towson University in the most recent year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $50,370 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,241 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Towson University

12

Indiana University Bloomington earned the #12 position for individualized studies this year. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. There were roughly 5,824 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $52,655 early in their careers. Indiana University Bloomington graduates carry a median of $21,671 in student loans. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Indiana University Bloomington

13
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #13 for individualized studies this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 32 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $68,293. Typical student debt for the program is $16,155. Read more about the individualized studies program at University Of Pennsylvania

14

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #14 spot for individualized studies this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. There were roughly 19 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at North Carolina State University At Raleigh in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $45,181. Students borrow a median of $25,993 to complete this degree. Get the full individualized studies details for North Carolina State University At Raleigh

15
University Of Mary Washington crest
University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington landed the #15 spot for individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of Fredericksburg, University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 30 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Mary Washington in the most recent data year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $37,677 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,354 to complete this degree. See the full individualized studies program report for University Of Mary Washington

16
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus earned the #16 position for individualized studies this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Purdue University Main Campus awarded about 35 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their individualized studies degree from Purdue University Main Campus earn around $79,921 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $17,917 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Purdue University Main Campus

17

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #17 for individualized studies this year. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. There were roughly 117 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin La Crosse in the most recent data year. Students who receive their individualized studies degree from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn around $49,223 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse graduates carry a median of $23,551 in student loans. See the full individualized studies program report for University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

18

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #18 spot for individualized studies this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 81 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $55,222 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in individualized studies from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

19

Suffolk County Community College landed the #19 spot for individualized studies this year. Set in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public institution. About 101 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Suffolk County Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $26,874 in their early career. Suffolk County Community College graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in individualized studies from Suffolk County Community College

20

University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #20 spot for individualized studies this year. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public school located in the city of Amherst. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 67 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Massachusetts Amherst in the most recent data year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $36,362 in their early career. University Of Massachusetts Amherst graduates carry a median of $25,742 in student loans. See the full individualized studies program report for University Of Massachusetts Amherst

21

Aims Community College placed #21 among the best individualized studies schools. This large public university is located in the city of Greeley. Aims Community College awarded about 56 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Individualized Studies graduates of Aims Community College earn a median of $29,845 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $9,152 to complete this degree. Read more about the individualized studies program at Aims Community College

22

Pennsylvania Western University earned the #22 position for individualized studies this year. Pennsylvania Western University is a large public school located in the town of California. Roughly 52% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 53 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania Western University in the most recent data year. Get the full individualized studies details for Pennsylvania Western University

23
Colorado Mountain College crest
Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, CO

Colorado Mountain College came in at #23 for individualized studies this year. Located in the town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado Mountain College is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 14% of students complete a degree within six years here. Colorado Mountain College awarded about 44 individualized studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Colorado Mountain College generally make around $32,551. Students borrow a median of $7,541 to complete this degree. See the full individualized studies program report for Colorado Mountain College

24

Ball State University earned the #24 position for individualized studies this year. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 36 individualized studies degrees were awarded at Ball State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $27,724. Ball State University graduates carry a median of $26,965 in student loans. Read more about the individualized studies program at Ball State University

25
College Of Charleston crest
College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College Of Charleston came in at #25 for individualized studies this year. This large public university is located in the city of Charleston. College Of Charleston graduates 66% of students within six years. There were roughly 16 individualized studies students who graduated with this degree at College Of Charleston in the most recent data year. Graduates of the individualized studies program make about $40,222 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,733 to complete this degree. See the full individualized studies program report for College Of Charleston

Rest of the Top 50 Individualized Studies Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s individualized studies ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ
37
38
39
40
41
42
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
43
44
Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY
45
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL
46
47
48
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA
49
Foothill College crest
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA
50

Additional Individualized Studies Award Winners

These schools also earned a top-quality badge for individualized studies this year:

Rank School Location
#52 Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH
#53 Molloy College Rockville Centre, NY
#58 Montgomery College Rockville, MD
#65 Prince Georges Community College Largo, MD
#68 Vincennes University Vincennes, IN
#73 The Community College Of Baltimore County Baltimore, MD
#74 Front Range Community College Westminster, CO
#78 Alamance Community College Graham, NC
#85 Chesapeake College Wye Mills, MD
#109 Monroe Community College Rochester, NY
#122 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
#123 Indiana University Southeast New Albany, IN

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for individualized studies:

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Individualized Studies by Region

Explore the best individualized studies schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Individualized Studies is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 473 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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