Lawrence University once again retained its top spot as Wisconsin’s No. 1 small private university in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings published Sept. 23 by U.S. News & World Report.
Lawrence was ranked on the following lists:
- National Liberal Arts Colleges (#65)
- Best Value Schools (#32)
- Social Mobility (#63 – tied)
- Undergraduate Teaching Programs (#59 – tied)
Earning the No. 65 position in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, Lawrence gained four places from 69th place in 2025 and up from the 75th position in the 2024 rankings. Lawrence is the only Wisconsin institution ranked in the top 90 this year, and one of only four Wisconsin schools ranked in the category.
“Our focus on developing new opportunities for students through innovative campus/community partnerships and keeping students first in all of our decision-making is reflected in Lawrence’s continued climb in the rankings,” said Lawrence University president Laurie A. Carter.
The university improved its rankings over last year in other categories as well.
Lawrence surged ahead six positions to No. 32 among Best Value Schools, up from the 38th position last year. The university has been ranked in this category nine times since the 2016 edition, logging its best ranking so far in the 2025 rankings.
Lawrence also was recently earned a spot on the America’s Top Colleges list by Forbes and was included on its list of 25 private schools with the most generous financial aid.
“Students and their families understand their college education is an investment that returns dividends for the rest of their lives,” said Vice President and Chief of Staff Christyn Abaray. “A Lawrence education equips students, not only with in-depth knowledge of their academic discipline, it prepares them to thrive in an environment of continual change and to lead in careers that may not yet even exist. In such a setting, skills that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education – problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, information literacy, ethical decision-making, and collaboration – empower Lawrence graduates to successfully navigate the dynamics of the workplace they will be entering,” Abaray said.
Lawrence University skyrocketed up the Social Mobility rankings this year to the 63rd position (tied with five other schools), gaining an impressive 49 places from its 112th place spot last year.
“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.”
For the seventh time since the 2016 edition, Lawrence has appeared on the rankings for Undergraduate Teaching Programs, this year taking the 59th position (a tie with six other schools) down slightly 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.
