Centre College ranks as top-30 college in the nation in numerous U.S. News categories

The prestigious list of America’s top liberal arts colleges, as determined by U.S. News & World Report, once again includes Centre, and in an increasing number of categories that put the College in a select cohort of the nation’s best.

This year’s rankings include recognition for alumni giving (#11 in the nation), best value (#26), study abroad (#27) and best undergraduate teaching (#29), as well as inclusion in the first-year experience category. Rather than separate rankings for colleges like Centre and universities like Yale, Princeton and Vanderbilt, Centre ended in a tie with MIT (at #64) for supporting the crucial transition between high school and college. Among national liberal arts colleges alone, Centre ended in a tie for #16 with the College of Wooster, Macalester and St. John’s for the first-year experience. In addition to high rankings in several notable categories, Centre’s overall national ranking was #59.

“While I remain convinced that rankings can never capture the full extent to which a college is a good fit for any talented young person,” said Centre President Milton C. Moreland, “the fact that we continue to excel across all rankings and guidebooks is clear indication that we offer a world-class experience that is both transformative and impactful.”

As Centre lays a strong foundation for the future, the College has recently launched a comprehensive strategic planning effort and announced the largest-ever capital project in the College’s history, the $50 million Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence. Centre also recently approved a new business major, completed the renovation of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Science and Mathematics in Olin Hall, and launched a new student success center called the Centre Learning Commons.

Often recognized as one of the clearest barometers of student satisfaction, Centre alumni continue to support their alma mater in high numbers, this past year at 37 percent. In fact, it is because of the continued generosity of Centre graduates that financial and institutional aid continues to grow. Most notably, increased student support was the central focus of the recently completed $200 million Third Century Campaign that exceeded its goal by more than $10 million.

The combination of consistently generous annual giving and the campaign’s success is what makes the necessary additional resources possible to help fund the high value Centre place on access and opportunity.

“The best value ranking acknowledges the College’s ability to deliver on the priority it places on both academic and inclusive excellence,” said Moreland.

Experiential learning is an integral part of the Centre experience, and nearly all students participate in high-impact practices outside of the classroom, including internship and research opportunities, community-based learning, and study away and study abroad experiences, as acknowledged by the #27 national ranking for the College’s focus on international education.

Part of the high-impact experience all students enjoy also involves the classroom and lab experiences themselves, for which Centre faculty continue to be recognized as among the best in the nation, including this year’s spot at #29.

“Small classes, active scholarship, use of engaging pedagogies, and a fierce dedication to student success are the key ingredients that ensure our faculty earn national recognition year after year,” said Ellen Goldey, dean of the College and vice president for academic affairs. “Our faculty set the standard for what it means to provide a deep and meaningful learning experience.”

She added that the prominent national ranking for the first-year experience acknowledges a very intentional effort over the last several years to provide the smoothest and most impactful transition from high school to college. This includes the new Finding Your Centre (FYC) program, which incorporates peer mentors.

“Particularly given the challenges brought on by the global pandemic,” Goldey said, “we want to provide every opportunity possible for success in the crucial first year of college.”