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.

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Connecting Students to Resources

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.

Flexible Learning Options

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.

View Our FAQ

Our Team

Meet the people behind BestColleges

Stephanie Snider

Stephanie Snider

General Manager
Stephanie Snider
General 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.

Quinn Tomlin

Quinn Tomlin

Public Relations Manager
Quinn Tomlin
Public 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.

James Valentine

James Valentine

Content Outreach Lead
James Valentine
Content 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.

Colin Weickmann

Colin Weickmann

Content Manager
Colin Weickmann
Content 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.

Melissa Venable

Melissa Venable

Online Education Advisor
Melissa Venable
Online 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.

Laine Plummer

Laine Plummer

Vice President of Creative
Laine Plummer
Vice 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.

Media and Press Inquiries

Please visit our media and press page for all media inquiries, press releases, rankings press kits, and downloadables.

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Join the Conversation

Higher ed news happens all the time - join us on Facebook and Twitter to weigh in and keep up with our latest updates and advice.

Follow Us on Social Media

Follow BestColleges on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information on everything from the newest college rankings and scholarships to the leading educational news trends. Whether you're a current or prospective student, parent, teacher, faculty member, or just someone with an interest in higher education, we want to connect with you!

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Contact and Locations

Please visit our media and press page for all media inquiries, press releases, rankings press kits, and downloadables.

Contact Us
Charlotte

1101 Red Ventures Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29707

Seattle

901 5th Avenue, Suite 3220
Seattle, WA 98164