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How to Become an Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers can make six figures, but they train hard to get there. Learn how to become an air traffic controller in our step-by-step guide. Updated on April 14, 2026 Key Takeaways To become an air traffic controller, you must be a U.S. citizen under 31 and complete FAA training, education, and background requirements. Applicants must enter during FAA hiring windows, complete training in Oklahoma City, and earn certification after up to three years of supervised work.
Northwestern Memorial holds onto top spot on our list of Chicago's largest hospitals
Chicago's largest hospitals by the numbers: The top 25 hospitals’ net patient revenue grew 7.6% year over year, on average. The average daily occupancy rate of hospitals on the list is 73% In total, the hospitals logged 2.6 million in-patient days. The list includes 11 health system networks and two independent hospitals. Advocate Health Care and Endeavor Health have the most hospitals on the list, with six and five, respectively. From 2024 to 2025, the top ten hospitals mainly kept their positions.
Northwestern Memorial holds onto top spot on our list of Chicago’s largest hospitals
Chicago's largest hospitals by the numbers: The top 25 hospitals’ net patient revenue grew 7.6% year over year, on average. The average daily occupancy rate of hospitals on the list is 73% In total, the hospitals logged 2.6 million in-patient days. The list includes 11 health system networks and two independent hospitals. Advocate Health Care and Endeavor Health have the most hospitals on the list, with six and five, respectively. From 2024 to 2025, the top ten hospitals mainly kept their positions.
Former Advocate execs and specialty surgeons top our lists of highest-paid hospital leaders
The 2025 lists of Chicago’s highest-paid doctors and hospital executives are here. Former Advocate Health Care chiefs lead in executive pay, while cardiac, orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists top the list of doctors. Each list ranks 25 of the highest-paid professionals by their total compensation in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available for most hospital systems.
Former Advocate execs and specialty surgeons top our lists of highest-paid hospital leaders
The 2025 lists of Chicago’s highest-paid doctors and hospital executives are here. Former Advocate Health Care chiefs lead in executive pay, while cardiac, orthopedic and neurosurgery specialists top the list of doctors. Each list ranks 25 of the highest-paid professionals by their total compensation in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available for most hospital systems.
Three MBA programs dominate Chicago's business leadership scene
Three universities dominate the MBA credentials of Chicago’s business elite. The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Harvard collectively account for 63% of graduate business degrees held by the city’s top leaders, according to a Crain’s analysis. MBA alumni networks have the power to influence hiring patterns and shape deals. It’s worth knowing which groups reign in Chicago’s business scene. Crain’s surveyed honorees from its list of Who’s Who.
Where Chicago's leaders earned their law degrees
In Chicago’s business and civic circles, legal training is often part of the leadership DNA. Crain’s analyzed the alma maters of nearly 500 Who’s Who honorees and found that a short list of law schools consistently appear on the résumés of the city’s most influential executives and advisors. Tracing where Chicago’s leaders earned their law degrees offers a snapshot of the region’s professional ecosystem and the schools shaping its talent pipeline.
Chicago’s largest foundations grant over $3 billion as newcomer joins ranks
Crain’s latest ranking highlights the region's largest foundations, and while familiar names take most of the top spots, one newcomer has catapulted onto the list. The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation is new to the ranking, landing in the No. 9 spot. The private independent foundation witnessed an 883% increase in assets after its founder Charles Angell’s passing in 2022. The funds have allowed the foundation to staff up, going from six to fifteen full-time employees.
Chicago’s largest nonprofits post double-digit growth amid warnings of leaner times
Chicago’s top nonprofits posted double-digit revenue growth in 2024, riding a wave of pandemic recovery and emergency funding that leaders warn may be coming to an end. Crain’s annual list ranks the Chicago area’s 25 largest nonprofits by expenses. By the numbers On average, the 25 largest Chicago-area nonprofits saw a 6.5% growth in expenses and 14.7% revenue growth in 2024. The nonprofits listed spend 85% of their expenses on programming, on average.
How Much Does an MBA Cost? Full Statistics
The average MBA program will run about $63,000, but costs vary. Top-tier programs cost around $125,000 a year. In-state public schools and online MBAs can be less expensive options. Updated on October 2, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Data Summary The average total cost of an MBA is about $31,300 a year, or roughly $62,600 for a full two-year program. Full-time, in-person programs cost $46,700 a year on average. Part-time, online programs cost $16,000 a year on average.
Chicago's top-paid nonprofit CEOs hail from sports, health care and foundations
The latest list of the highest-paid nonprofit leaders in the Chicago area reveals a diverse range of sectors and an even broader spectrum of base salaries. The list ranks the 25 top-paid CEOs of 501(c)3 organizations by total compensation in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available. Crain’s excluded university and hospital presidents from the list, however, health care organizations are represented.
Rural College Students: Bridging the Digital Divide
Updated on April 22, 2025 • Reviewed by Our Integrity Network BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Less Than Half of Students Feel Comfortable Expressing Political Opinions on Campus
Credit: Image Credit: FG Trade / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary 44% of students feel comfortable expressing their opinions on campus without fear of negative consequences. By political party, 54% of Democrat students, 39% of Republican students, and 36% of other students feel comfortable expressing their opinions without fear of negative consequences.
Just one-third of students say college is worth the cost
Posted 6/5/24 BestColleges surveyed college students in various programs to learn how they feel about the value of their college education. This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print subscribers If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber. Trending stories Each season we’re given a different story.
Just one-third of students say college is worth the cost
These findings represent a decline from 2022 polling, when 65% of current and prospective students said college was for everyone, regardless of their class or economic background (a 17 percentage point difference from 2024 results). In 2022, 56% said college was for everyone, regardless of what they want to do in life (a 22 percentage point difference from 2024). Gen Z students are also less likely than millennials to say college is for everyone. Only 45% of Gen Z students vs.
Just one-third of students say college is worth the cost
Posted 6/5/24 BestColleges surveyed college students in various programs to learn how they feel about the value of their college education. This item is available in full to subscribers. E-mail Password Print subscribers If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one. Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber. More local news Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law Senate Bill 1668, authored by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow.
More Than Half of College Students Experience Doubt About Their Choice of Major
Credit: Image Credit: FG Trade Latin / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary It's typical for college students to have doubts about choosing the right major at least occasionally — more than half (54%) do. Salary (53%), job prospects (48%), and student loan debt (43%) are surveyed students' top reported reasons for doubting their field of study. 27% say the rise of AI in the workforce causes them to doubt or reconsider their college major.
The Majority of College Students Worry About AI’s Impacts on the Workforce: Survey
Credit: Image Credit: Future Publishing / Contributor / Getty Images Data Summary 37% of students say they worry about the impacts of AI on their career path. 36% are worried about the impacts of AI on their major. Nearly 3 in 5 college students (58%) say they are confident in the value of their chosen major and career path despite the potential impacts of AI. STEM majors are more likely than other students to express doubt about their college major due to the rise of AI in the workforce (33% vs.
Just One-Third of Students Say College Is Worth the Cost Original
Credit: Image Credit: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images Data Summary Around half of students (48%) say college is for everyone, regardless of class or economic background. About one-third (34%) say college is for everyone, regardless of what they want to do or accomplish in life. Compared to previous years' surveys, findings point to growing skepticism of the value of a college degree.
35% of College Students Favor Trump, 33% Biden, Ahead of Election
Credit: Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Staff / Getty Images News Data Summary Students who plan to vote for Joe Biden are more likely than those planning to vote for Donald Trump to consider voting for a third-party candidate this election (42% vs. 32%). Students say the economy, employment, and inflation (46%); abortion and reproductive rights (35%); and college affordability and student loan debt (29%) are their top issues right now.
Adult Learners in College: Facts & Statistics
Updated on June 6, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Students older than 25 accounted for 24% of the undergraduate students who enrolled in the U.S. in fall 2023.
10 Colleges With the Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition
Updated on April 18, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose You could attend school in a different state and still pay in-state rates. Explore our list of affordable out-of-state colleges to find one that fits your budget. Data Summary The most affordable out-of-state colleges charge $5,000-$9,000 per year for annual tuition. Many four-year public universities offer fully online degree programs to out-of-state students at the same rate as state residents.
Does the College You Go to Matter?
Updated on June 27, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose While listing the “right” college on your resume can give you an initial leg up, other factors may matter more when securing a job. Credit: Image Credit: sturti / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary In 2020, graduates of elite institutions had median earnings exceeding $104,000 just four years after graduating. But 10 years after graduating, former students of some lesser-known schools saw greater earnings gains.
Hispanic Students in Higher Education: Facts and Statistics
Updated on July 7, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose About 18% of college undergraduates are Hispanic and Latino/a. Discover the data about Hispanic and Latino/a college students in our report. Credit: Image Credit: FG Trade Latin / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary Hispanic and Latino/a undergraduate students made up 18.4% of the total undergraduate student population in 2025.
College Application Fees: What It Costs to Apply
Updated on June 24, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose As tuition increases, even applying to college comes at a cost. How much are college applications? Find out in our report. Credit: Image Credit: Carol Yepes / Moment / Getty Images Data Summary For U.S. students, the average undergraduate application fee is $48. 3 in 10 colleges report waiving application fees for students with financial need. College application fees depend on your school and school type.
AAPI Students in Higher Education: Facts and Statistics
Updated on May 30, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Hall Roughly 54% of Asian Americans held a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2019, but this figure varies widely between origin groups. Over half of Burmese (65%) and Laotians (56%) had a high school diploma or less. Credit: Image Credit: Wang Yukun / Moment / Getty Images Data Summary About 61% of Asian American 18-to-24-year-olds were enrolled in a two- or four-year college in 2022.
Highest-Paying College Majors in 2025
Updated on April 4, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Engineering is the highest-paying college major, with graduates making $65,000-$80,000 immediately after college.
Diversity in Higher Education: Facts and Statistics
Updated on May 28, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Around 40% of undergraduates are students of color. Find college student and faculty diversity statistics, and read about the benefits of diversity in higher education.
Facts and Statistics
Updated on June 5, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Students with disabilities make up over 20% of undergraduates. Credit: Image Credit: Erika Dominiquini / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary More than 1 in 5 undergraduates and 1 in 10 graduate students report having a disability. ADD, ADHD, and learning disabilities are the most commonly reported disabilities among undergraduate students.
First-Generation College Student Facts
Updated on July 24, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Nearly 40% of college students are first-generation. Explore seven key facts about first-generation college students. Credit: Image Credit: Mike Watson Images / moodboard / Getty Images Plus Data Summary Nearly 40% of of undergraduates in a bachelor’s degree program (about 38%) were first-generation college students in 2020. Many first-generation college students come from lower-income households and will likely incur more college debt.
Average Cost of College Textbooks: Full Statistics
Updated on June 24, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose On average, textbooks cost over $1200 in the first year of college. But students often pay less than that for college books and supplies. Credit: Image Credit: AzmanL / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary In 2024-2025, the average cost of books and supplies for a full-time college student was about $1,370. In 2022-2023, survey data shows students spent roughly $285 a year on course materials including books.
College Student Mental Health Statistics
Updated on May 28, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Most students say their mental health has worsened in college. Learn how many students experience common mental health conditions. Credit: Image Credit: fotostorm / E / Getty Images Note: This article discusses suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available to anyone 24/7.
All About SAT Scores: National Average and Full Statistics
Updated on December 13, 2024 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose In 2024, the average SAT score was 1024. Read on to find average SAT scores by school, state, race/ethnicity, and gender.
MCAT Percentiles: Full Statistics
Updated on June 20, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose While the national average MCAT score is 500.5 for the 2025-2026 academic year, prospective students need to score 512 — closer to the 85th percentile — to have a real shot at getting into medical school. Credit: Image Credit: The Good Brigade / DigitalVision / Getty Images Data Summary To land in the 90th percentile of any given MCAT section, you’ll need to score at least 128-129, depending on the section.
Shootings at Colleges: U.S. Statistics
Updated on April 17, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Hall At least 102 people have been killed in 13 mass shootings at U.S. colleges since the 1960s. Hundreds more have been injured or killed by guns on college campuses. Credit: Image Credit: Drew Angerer / Getty Images News Note: This data report contains content related to suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24/7.
Average MCAT Score
Updated on June 25, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose The current average MCAT score of all test-takers is the lowest it’s been since 2018.
Federal Pell Grants: Facts and Figures
Updated on June 6, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose The government gives Pell Grants to over 6 million students yearly. Learn how many people get Pell Grants by state, income, school type, and more. Credit: Image Credit: Rubberball/Mike Kemp / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images Data Summary The 2025-2026 maximum Pell Grant amount is $7,395. In 2022, the average Pell Grant amount was $4,511. Average college tuition was $14,688 for one year.
Federal Pell Grants: Facts and Figures
Updated on April 28, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose The government gives Pell Grants to over 6 million students yearly. Learn how many people get Pell Grants by state, income, school type, and more. Credit: Image Credit: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images Data Summary Since 2020, roughly 6.1 million students have received Pell Grants each year. In 2022, roughly 39% of all college students received some Pell Grant funding. In 2022, the average Pell Grant amount was $4,511.
Number of Student Loan Borrowers in 2025
About 42.7 million people in the U.S. have federal student loan debt. Find out how many people have student loan debt by year, state, and other factors in this guide.
How Much Is Law School? Breaking Down Costs of a Law Degree
Updated on February 5, 2025 • Fact checked by Marley Rose Law school tuition is around $90,000-$170,000 on average, depending on the school type, but prestigious institutions can cost far more. Credit: Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd / DigitalVision / Getty Images The average tuition and fees for three years of law school at a public university is about $92,000 for in-state students and $130,000 for non-residents. On average, private law schools cost $56,000 a year or $168,000 for three years.
College Graduation Rates: Full Statistics
Updated on June 19, 2025 Edited by • Fact-checked by by Marley Rose In 2024, the U.S. college graduation rate was 61%. Credit: Image Credit: Ariel Skelley / DigitalVision / Getty Images Data Summary In 2024, the graduation rate at four-year colleges and universities was 71% at public schools, 76% at private nonprofit schools, and 36% at for-profit schools. The graduation rate at two-year public colleges was about 43%.
Online Learning Statistics
Updated on July 11, 2024 More than 1 in 4 college students take classes completely online. Find statistics and student poll results about online learning in our report.
Why Is College Important? The Top Reasons According to Students
Credit: Marko Geber / DigitalVision / Getty Images Students' top reasons for attending college were to pursue a passion, improve their lives, and boost their incomes. One in five said their most important reason to attend college was to pursue a passion. First-generation college students place greater importance on keeping up with peers and experiencing life in a new place. BIPOC students are more aware of the impact attending college has on socioeconomic status.
How Many Student Loans Have Been Forgiven? (2025)
Updated on April 22, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Mostly under Biden, the government erased more than $195 billion in student debt. Student loan forgiveness is expected to slow under Trump. Find a debt forgiveness timeline and a breakdown of debt that was canceled. Credit: Image Credit: GCShutter / E+ / Getty Images Data Summary The U.S. has discharged student loan debt for approximately 5.9 million borrowers.
Average Student Loan Interest Rates
Student loan interest rates depend on the loan type and borrower. Current rates for federal student loans are 6.39-8.94%. Updated on September 2, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Credit: Image Credit: jayk7 / Moment / Getty Images Data Summary The current federal student loan interest rate for undergraduates is 6.39%. Graduate student and parent PLUS loans have fixed interest rates of 7.94% and 8.94%, respectively. Private student loan fixed interest rates are typically around 3.06-13.14%.
Average U.S. Student Loan Debt: 2025 Statistics
Updated on February 11, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose The average federal student loan debt is $38,375. How does student debt compare across different schools or student groups? Explore more in our report.
6 Ways College Finances Affect Mental Health
Updated on June 3, 2025 • Reviewed by Our Integrity Network BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
List of U.S. Colleges With No Application Fee (2025)
By Updated on February 28, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose Find U.S. colleges with no application fee and learn more about how to save during the college application process. Data Summary At roughly $50 per school, college application fees can rack up quickly. Many four-year schools in the U.S. do not charge application fees. Some of these schools also don’t require an application essay. Students with financial need may qualify for a fee waiver at schools that do charge application fees.
Five Technology Trends that Will Change the Skilled Trades
December 6, 2021 The skilled trades are long-term careers with great benefits, fulfilling work and high salaries – and they’re looking for tech-savvy people. FABTECH, North America’s largest fabrication and manufacturing exposition, offered insights on how technology has changed the trajectory of the workforce and how it will shape the future of the building and construction trades. 1.
Colleges With the Best Financial Aid
Updated on May 28, 2025 • Fact-checked by Marley Rose College is increasingly expensive, but schools with the most generous financial aid meet 100% of financial need with no loans for all students. Data Summary The colleges offering the biggest financial aid packages include many costly private colleges like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Harvard. All of these colleges meet full financial need and are among the most affordable options.
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