Lawrence University once again retained the top spot among Wisconsin Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings published Sept. 22 by U.S. News & World Report.
Lawrence was ranked on the following lists:
- National Liberal Arts Colleges (#68 – tied)
- Top Private Colleges (#64– tied)
- Best Value Schools (#33)
- Social Mobility (#66 – tied)
- Undergraduate Teaching Programs (#57 – tied)
Earning the No. 68 position in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, Lawrence continues to hold a strong position in national rankings. In 2026, Lawrence was ranked No. 65, moving up four places from No. 69 in 2025 and 10 places from No. 75 in 2024.
“Our students come from all over the world and from all walks of life to pursue a high impact, immersive and collaborative education that encourages them to dream bigger and to confidently pursue their personal vision of success,” said President Carter. “That’s what we do at Lawrence University – what we always have done; it is gratifying for Lawrence to be recognized for its nearly two centuries of shaping the futures of students.”
The university also continues to rank prominently in other categories.
In a new category this year, Top Private Colleges, Lawrence ranked No. 64 nationally, tied with four other universities, and it was the highest-ranked institution in Wisconsin. The category was added in response to interest from U.S News & World Report readers who wanted a state-by-state comparison of private colleges similar to the rankings currently published for public institutions.
In the 2027 report, Lawrence ranked No. 33 among the Best Value Schools, and it has appeared in this category 10 times since the 2016 edition. In 2026, Lawrence surged ahead six positions to No. 32 among Best Value Schools, up from the 38th position in 2025.
“Students and families recognize that a college education is an investment in lifelong success,” said Vice President and Chief of Staff Christyn Abaray. “A Lawrence education provides deep disciplinary knowledge while cultivating the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills graduates need to thrive confidently in a rapidly changing world.”
Lawrence University ranked No. 66 in Social Mobility this year, tied with five other schools after moving up 46 places from No. 112 two years ago.
“Our focus on developing new academic and experiential opportunities for students through innovative campus-community partnerships and keeping students first in all of our decision-making is reflected in Lawrence’s national and statewide rankings,” said Lawrence University president Laurie A. Carter.
For the eighth time since the 2016 edition, Lawrence has appeared on the rankings for Undergraduate Teaching Programs, this year taking the 57th position (a tie with six other schools) up two positions from last year.
“I am pleased that Lawrence University continues to be recognized for its commitment to providing a transformational education that prepares students to make a difference in the world as they follow their unique paths,” said President Carter.
About the Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges by key measures, including Outcomes, Peer Assessment, Faculty Resources, Financial Resources, and Standardized Tests. Learn more at https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges.
