In the latest Forbes' America's Top College rankings, published on August 1, Princeton University has retained its first position for the fifth time in a row, followed by Williams College and Stanford University.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the average tuition fee for a four-year course at public universities across the country was $6,669 in 2010-11. The required minimum fee for private universities on the other hand, went up to a staggering $21,949.

Forbes stresses how the rankings focus on things that matter the most to students, including quality of teaching, great career prospects, high graduation rates and low levels of debt.

  Vassar College, New York

Undergraduate Population:2,386 

Student Population:2,386

Student to Faculty Ratio:8:01

Total Annual Cost:$57,385

In-State Tuition:$44,705

Out-of-State Tuition:$44,705

Percent on Financial Aid:77.0%

Percent Admitted:23.0%

SAT Composite Range:1320

Website:http://www.vassar.edu/