The pandemic's economic impact has threatened small, private, liberal arts, tuition and discount-dependent colleges. But it may also provide an opportunity to reinvent and transform institutions into more sustainable higher learning enterprises.

COVID disruptions have led more colleges of all sizes to go test-optional, dropping admissions requirements for students' SAT and ACT scores.

Despite that success, a familiar front-runner holds the No. 1 position for the fifth straight year, and China is making big inroads into in impact of global research.

Washington Monthly's study highlights colleges and universities that provide students with opportunities that lead to well-paying jobs.