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Forbes has released its 12th annual ranking of America’s Top Colleges, based on direct benefits a university or college provides its students.

Several Indiana schools made the list in "sub-categories," such as the Grateful Graduates Index, but the University of Notre Dame was the only school in the state to break the top 20 overall rankings. The South Bend-based the university is ranked number 18 by Forbes. Harvard University remains in the top spot for the third consecutive year.

“The evaluation of the 650 undergraduate institutions is based exclusively on the quality of the education they provide, the experiences of the students and their post-graduate success and financial well-being,” said Caroline Howard, Director of Editorial Operations for Forbes.

The magazine’s methodology is based on the return-on-investment logic and what it values most: entrepreneurship, success, impact and the consumer experience.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute is ranked number 13 in the Highest Earning Graduation category with an annual average starting salary of $75,000.

When it comes to the Grateful Graduates Index, two Indiana schools make that philanthropic list. Notre Dame is ranked number 4 and Wabash College in Crawfordsville comes in at number 10 for most engaged donors.

“The Forbes Grateful Graduate Index recognizes both the generosity of our alumni and the loyalty of our graduates, who leave here grateful for their experience, and remain dedicated to making sure that these opportunities are even better for current and future generations of students.” said Joe Klen, Associate Dean for College Advancement and Class of ’97 graduate.

Forbes list says the seven-year median gift per full-time enrolled student at Wabash is $19,763. For ND, the average is $27,431.

Notre Dame also got ranked in the Top STEM universities for Women category. The school is tied for sixth place.

Click here to read the full list.

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