(KRON) -- Two Bay Area universities are among the best in the U.S. when it comes to return on investment, according to a new report. Santa Clara University and Stanford have been distinguished as among the best four-year colleges in the nation when it comes to ROI, according to US News & World R eport. "Although students and families are increasingly questioning the value of higher education, a degree often still comes with economic and community benefits," the report read. "Colleges that award bachelor's degrees offer the highest long-term returns, while community colleges and certificate programs provide better short-term returns," the report said. Out of the 22 schools that made the list, US News & World Report ranked Santa Clara University second, behind Duke in North Carolina. SF mayor unveils new ‘vision’ for tackling homelessness, addiction "Santa Clara University offers bachelor's degree-holders a return on investment of $3,381,000 after 40 years," the report said. "Tuition and fees at the California college were $61,293 in 2024-2025, and the average total indebtedness of those in the 2023 graduating class who borrowed to pay for college was $25,337." Santa Clara University is ranked 63rd overall for national universities, the report said. SANTA CLARA, CA - March 01: Guests and students participate in an announcement ceremony for Julie Sullivan, incoming president of Santa Clara University, on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Photo by Dai Sugano/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images) Further down the list, Stanford University was ranked 17th out of 22, right below Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: A general view of the campus of Stanford University including Hoover Tower as seen from Stanford Stadium on the day of a Pac-12 college football game between the USC Trojans and the Stanford Cardinal played on September 10, 2022 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) "The return on investment from a degree at Stanford University in California has a net present value of $3,872,000 after 40 years," said the report. "In 2024-2025, tuition and fees cost $65,910. Students in the 2023 graduating class who borrowed to pay for college had an average total indebtedness of $21,372." Stanford is ranked 4th overall for national universities, according to US News & World Report. Here are the 22 best colleges for return on investment: Duke University (NC) Santa Clara University (CA) Yale University (CT) Harvard University (MA) Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA) Cornell University (NY) Columbia University (NY) Georgia Institute of Technology Claremont McKenna College (CA) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY) Massachusetts Maritime Academy Georgetown University (DC) Lehigh University (PA) Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ) Bentley University (MA) Carnegie Mellon University (PA) Stanford University (CA) California Institute of Technology University of Pennsylvania Princeton University (NJ) Massachusetts Institute of Technology Harvey Mudd College (CA) "Inclusion on the 'Colleges With the Best Return on Investment' list is a testament to the incredible value of a Santa Clara education," said Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan. "Through a combination of academic excellence, strong industry connections, and a commitment to ethical leadership, we prepare our students to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society." ...read more read less