Top 10 Again: UMW Among the Best Public Liberal Arts Colleges in U.S. News
The University of Mary Washington has once again earned a place among the nation’s top 10 public liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s annual college rankings, coming in at number nine. UMW has ranked among the top 10 for four consecutive years, reinforcing Mary Washington’s place among the nation’s leading public liberal arts and sciences institutions.
UMW is also part of a standout showing for the Commonwealth. Three Virginia institutions rank among the nation’s top 10 public liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News “2027 Best Colleges” report, making Virginia one of only two states with three schools represented in the top tier. Along with UMW, Virginia Military Institute and Christopher Newport University earned spots in the top 10.
In the broader National Liberal Arts Colleges category, which includes both public and private institutions, Mary Washington is tied at No. 128, moving up three places from the previous year.
UMW’s recognition extends beyond the University-wide rankings. Undergraduate programs in psychology, business and computer science each earned national recognition, while Mary Washington’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program made a significant jump, rising more than 100 places to No. 336. UMW also earned a No. 174 ranking for social mobility among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings provide a data-driven comparison of more than 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success.
The U.S. News recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for Mary Washington this fall, with rankings organizations highlighting UMW across measures of value, outcomes and student experience. TIME included Mary Washington in its inaugural America’s Best Colleges ranking, and Forbes placed UMW among the nation’s top 500 colleges. Money awarded Mary Washington four out of five stars, while Washington Monthly recognized UMW among its “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars.”
The Princeton Review named UMW among its Best 392 Colleges for 2027, with UMW Theatre rising to No. 12 nationally. UMW regularly earns A’s in the Niche grades and rankings, include top marks for two new categories this year in Future Readiness and Student Wellness.
Explore more on UMW’s National Rankings webpage.Explore the University of Mary Washington online or in person with a campus visit this fall. Applications are open now for the fall 2027 class. Apply online or via the Common App.
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