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Willamette University among top liberal arts colleges on U.S. News and World Report’s ‘best college’ list

by University Communications,

Willamette University is among the best liberal arts and sciences institutions in the nation according to the U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings for 2024.

For the fifth consecutive year, the university is one of the top three liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest on the “Best Colleges” list. The university received an overall national ranking of 75, one point higher than last year, and ranked 11th on the West Coast.

Recognized for its high-quality education and affordability, Willamette was also one of two Oregon institutions on the “Best Value” list, rising 16 spots from last year to No. 72. This is the third year in a row the university has advanced in the value category, which factors in the percentage of scholarships and grants students receive. This continued progress in expanding access comes as Willamette was recently ranked the most socioeconomically diverse selective college or university in the Northwest on The New York Times College Access Index.

Willamette ranked second in Oregon for “social mobility,” considered among nearly 200 liberal arts colleges nationwide that reported strong graduation rates of Pell Grant recipients.

U.S. News and World Report evaluates schools on factors including graduation and retention rates, faculty and peer assessment surveys. This year, the magazine’s methodology reflects data gathered in spring and early summer of 2023.

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