U.S. News Names Washington Among Best National Liberal Arts Colleges
#92 spot is a testament to its academic strength, graduate outcomes, and commitment to student life.
Washington College has again been announced as a Top 100 Best National Liberal Arts College, ranking #92 in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of Best Colleges, released today. The new ranking represents an upward climb for the College, marking an improvement from the previous two years. The College also ranked as a Top 100 Best Value School and received high marks in Social Mobility for students as well in the report.
These accolades come as the College also recently received national recognition in The Princeton Review's "Best 391 Colleges" for 2026, placing it among the top 15% of colleges nationwide. The same report ranked Washington #22 nationally in the "Professors Get High Marks" category, based on student surveys, and was included on the Best Mid-Atlantic Colleges and Green Colleges lists as well.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings examine more than 1,800 colleges and universities throughout the country. The eligibility criteria for the guide focus on traditional four-year baccalaureate programs in the U.S., requiring schools to have regional accreditation, enroll at least 100 undergraduates, and report on key data points like graduation rates and financial expenditures. For the primary rankings, Washington College is evaluated alongside other schools focused on undergraduate education that issue more than half of their degrees in the arts and sciences. A dozen criteria are considered, with the greatest weight being given to peer assessments and graduation rates.
"This recognition is a testament to the transformative education we provide," said Interim President Bryan Matthews. "At Washington College, we equip our students with an invaluable 'tool kit' for life—the ability to think critically, adapt, and engage with diverse perspectives. This ranking underscores the value of the education we offer and what it means for our current students and those who will join our community in the future. We are a place where students can explore and engage deeply to shape the life they want to lead."
Based on statistics, top-ranked schools provided ample classroom resources for students and faculty; conferred bachelor's degrees at high rates; and produced graduates who entered the workforce with manageable debt and worthwhile starting salaries. Washington’s scores in these areas are exemplified by the Class of 2024's First Destinations Report, which shows that 95% of Washington graduates were either employed or continuing their education within nine months of graduation, with 75% securing full-time or part-time employment—the highest rate in the last five years.
Beyond the metrics, the outlet also acknowledges that student preferences for majors, clubs, and campus life are just as important in the rankings. Paired with detailed profiles and user reviews, the rankings are designed to serve as a guide for prospective students to find their "best fit" school, aligning with the publication's mission to help consumers make important life decisions.
The College’s commitment to providing a valuable education previously highlighted by its recognition as one of Scholarships360’s 2025 Top Colleges for Affordability, a distinction placing it among the top 8% of over 1,800 eligible colleges and making it the only private liberal arts college in Maryland to receive this honor.
To learn more about the Washington College experience, visit our Admissions webpage.
- Dominique Ellis Falcon