About Us
At BestColleges, we understand that what makes a college the "best" looks different to every student, and each college search comes with its own unique challenges. This is why we aim to help prospective students find the schools that best meet their needs through proprietary research, user-friendly guides, and hundreds of independent college rankings.What Do We Do?
We provide students with direct connections to schools and programs that suit their educational goals through our degree resources and program rankings. Our rankings are intended to inform and guide prospective students toward institutions that provide quality education and meaningful learning experiences at affordable costs.
We also host a wide array of free college planning, financial aid, and career resources to help all students get the most from their education and prepare for life after college.
Why Online Education?
We believe distance learning is a powerful educational opportunity for schools and students. It's a flexible option for students who cannot attend traditional campus classes, like those who are working full-time or have childcare restrictions.
As online higher education demand grows and more schools bring programs online, we want to give those individuals who might otherwise miss out on an opportunity to attend college the information they need to start their college searches.
Want to learn more?
Please visit our FAQ page.
Our Team
Meet the people behind BestColleges
General Manager
Stephanie Snider
View InfoGeneral Manager
Stephanie Snider
Stephanie has directed the content marketing strategy on BestColleges since its inception in 2014. Today, she oversees day-to-day business operations, working with a talented team that is dedicated to matching students with their best college. Her belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable education is the touchstone that guides her. Stephanie has a bachelor of arts in English and a master of architecture from the University of Washington. If she had any, she would dedicate her spare time to DIY home renovations, but that's on hold until the kids are in college.Public Relations Manager
Quinn Tomlin
View InfoPublic Relations Manager
Quinn Tomlin
Quinn is the Public Relations Manager for BestColleges. In this role, she oversees a team responsible for public relations, thought leadership, video production, and branding. She's worked on the BestColleges marketing team for over four years and helped to build its robust, student-first brand. Quinn has a bachelor of arts in English literature and philosophy from Seattle University and is an avid hiker and food enthusiast.Customer Experience
Shilpa Shyam
View InfoCustomer Experience
Shilpa Shyam
Shilpa attended Western Washington University, where she earned her degree in marketing. Shilpa stays busy working on the site experience of BestColleges. In her off-time, Shilpa enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen, heading outdoors, watching Netflix, and dreaming of living abroad (she's always liked the sound of Costa Rica).Content Outreach Lead
James Valentine
View InfoContent Outreach Lead
James Valentine
James attended Boise State University, where he studied business and marketing. His passion for learning and personal development led him to BestColleges, where he leads content outreach efforts to connect prospective students and life-long learners with a diverse collection of higher education and career planning content.Content Manager
Colin Weickmann
View InfoContent Manager
Colin Weickmann
Colin graduated from Washington State University with a BA in digital technology and culture. Prior to joining the team at BestColleges, he worked as a writing tutor and instructor, helping college students improve their academic and professional writing. Today, he continues to help students by creating engaging and informative higher education content on BestColleges. Outside of the office, Colin enjoys creating music, skiing, traveling, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.Vice President of Creative
Laine Plummer
View InfoVice President of Creative
Laine Plummer
Laine is vice president of content and creative at BestColleges. She joined the team in 2019 when BestColleges joined Red Ventures. As someone who has reinvented her career several times, from direct marketing to digital, she supports BestColleges in its mission to help adult learners and career changers find the right programs to reach their goals. She holds a bachelor of science in integrated marketing communication from Winthrop University. Laine enjoys reading and spending time with two little learners at home.Managing Editor
Julie Linton
View InfoManaging Editor
Julie Linton
Julie leads the BestColleges content team. As the managing editor, she oversees the assigning, editing, and production of content while also ensuring a high standard of quality and creativity, so visitors are informed, inspired, and empowered in their college searches. Julie has a bachelor of art in English from Oregon State University and a master of art in publishing from Portland State University. Outside of the office, she loves cooking, reading, and enjoying the great outdoors in the PNW.Senior Editor
Reece Johnson
View InfoSenior Editor
Reece Johnson
Reece manages the BestColleges blog, "Office Hours." He also writes about expanding educational opportunities, the future of work, and higher education policy. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington and a master's degree from Columbia University.Web Publisher
Grant Bradley
View InfoWeb Publisher
Grant Bradley
Grant is responsible for taking the great collegiate content his teammates assemble from detailed blueprint to live web page on your computer screen. After earning degrees in English and publishing from Whitman College and Emerson College, he's eager to apply his love of letters to creating beautiful, intuitive reading experiences for everyone who visits BestColleges. Outside the nine-to-five, Grant enjoys keeping track of good happy hours and putting together seasonal Spotify playlists.SEO Analyst
Croix Boston
View InfoSEO Analyst
Croix Boston
Originally from Southern California, Croix moved to Seattle in 2014 to study poetry at Seattle Pacific University. Before becoming BestColleges's lead SEO analyst, he dabbled in various marketing odd-jobs. Outside of the office, Croix can usually be found behind a camera or cuddled up at home with a fresh pot of coffee and a graphic novel.Content Manager
Kayla Allen
View InfoContent Manager
Kayla Allen
Kayla holds a bachelor of arts in communication from the University of Washington. Her previous experience in sales and marketing has helped her bring a unique perspective to the content management role. She enjoys being a part of the BestColleges content production process and working with writers to create compelling and informative content for higher education seekers. When she's not binging bad reality television, Kayla likes to cook, read, hike, ski, and travel.Marketing Communications Associate
Cole Cook
View InfoMarketing Communications Associate
Cole Cook
Cole is BestColleges' marketing communications associate, working to connect with BestColleges' audience. She translates BestColleges ideals through a number of mediums, including video production. With a background in creative arts, she is always looking for new ways to showcase the BestColleges brand. Cole received her bachelor's degree in emerging media and communication from The University of Texas at Dallas. In her free time, she likes to binge-watch Youtube videos while drawing or painting.Marketing Associate
Jacqueline Ma
View InfoMarketing Associate
Jacqueline Ma
Jacqueline attended the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in political science and American ethnic studies. She spends her day to day promoting BestColleges' highly relevant content! When she's not emailing away, Jacqueline spends her time hanging out with her dog, exploring new food spots, and buying way too many books from Half Price Books.Production Associate
Amy Bryant
View InfoProduction Associate
Amy Bryant
Amy graduated from Seattle University, where she earned a degree in marketing. Her day-to-day at BestColleges focuses on growing and managing our expert contributor network. When not in the office, Amy enjoys spending time with her puppy, making homemade pasta, and listening to true crime podcasts.Online Education Advisor
Melissa Venable
View InfoOnline Education Advisor
Melissa Venable
Melissa A. Venable, Ph.D. is a writer and educational expert for BestColleges. She leads our annual research project reporting online education trends. Melissa is also an adjunct instructor and course designer for Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida. She received her doctorate in instructional technology from the University of South Florida with research interests in distance education and online student support. Melissa is also a certified career coach.Media and Press Inquiries
Please visit our media and press page for all media inquiries, press releases, rankings press kits, and downloadables.
View Media PageContact & Locations
If you have questions or feedback about our offerings, we invite you to get in touch with us. Please call (281) 846-3072 or send an email to contact@bestcolleges.com.
Contact Us