It’s time to bring out the friendly school rivalries.

» RELATED: Two Georgia schools among America's 50 'smartest colleges'

Personal finance site WalletHub just released its 2019 best colleges ranking comparing 951 of the country's colleges and universities across seven key dimensions, such as student selectivity; cost and financing; faculty resources; campus safety; campus experience; educational outcomes and career outcomes.

Researchers further evaluated those dimensions using 30 relevant metrics, including admission rate, student loan debt, on-campus crime, faculty salaries, gender and racial diversity and return on investment.

Data for the ranking came from a variety of reputable sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics, PayScale and more.

Of the 951 colleges on the list, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology came out on top, followed by Princeton University, Yale University and Harvard University.

At the bottom of the pack: Stockton University in New Jersey.

» RELATED: Two Atlanta colleges among the best in the world in new global ranking

Only one Georgia college cracked the top 20 — and that honor goes to Georgia Tech, which ranked 17th nationally and No. 1 in the state. Georgia Tech also ranked third nationally for the best bang for your buck.

Emory University came in second in Georgia and ranked 34th in the country.

» RELATED: Emory University ranks No. 1 in America for best quality of life

Georgia colleges ranked, according to WalletHub:

  1. Georgia Tech (No. 17 nationally)
  2. Emory University (No. 34 nationally)
  3. University of Georgia (No. 67 nationally)
  4. Mercer University (No. 212)
  5. Piedmont College (No. 254)
  6. Berry College (No. 276)
  7. Spelman College (No. 298)
  8. Georgia College & State University (No. 300)
  9. Oglethorpe University (No. 352)
  10. Covenant College (No. 377)
  11. Young Harris College (No. 407)
  12. Georgia State University (No. 475)

Explore the full ranking at wallethub.com.

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Joel Katz was known for his philanthropy, too. Here he is honored at the Music is Medicine exhibition at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in 2016. (Ben Gray / AJC)

Credit: BEN GRAY / AJC

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Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC