With its more than 50 boundary-breaking academic programs, signature dual-degree accelerated pathways, exceptional teaching, and mission to help students turn knowledge into action, Willamette University lands among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation on the U.S. News and World Report’s “best college” list for 2026.
Once again, Willamette is ranked as one of the top three liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest. Nationally, Willamette rose to No. 76 on the overall liberal arts ranking, a point higher than the previous year.
Willamette is also highly ranked for value and social mobility. The university was one of only two Oregon schools on the “Best Value” list, which considers scholarships and grants students receive. In addition, Willamette is ranked No. 2 liberal arts for social mobility in Oregon.
“This recognition reflects Willamette's commitment to providing students with transformative educational experiences that combine rigorous academics with real-world application," said Willamette University president Steve Thorsett. "We're particularly proud to be recognized for both academic excellence and social mobility as it affirms our mission to make a world-class liberal arts education accessible and to ensure our students are prepared to turn their knowledge into action in their communities.”
When ranked against all business programs across the nation, Willamette’s experiential undergraduate business program jumped 62 places from the previous year. Working directly with faculty from Oregon’s #1 MBA program, Willamette’s business majors and minors are able to combine the best of management education with the liberal arts.
The 2026 U.S. News and World Report rankings evaluated over 1,700 colleges and universities based on a variety of criteria such as graduation rates, financial aid, and peer evaluations.
