U.S. News lists Centre among nation’s leading liberal arts colleges
Centre College has once again been recognized among the nation’s leading liberal arts and sciences institutions, earning strong placements in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges guide.
“While rankings will never fully define who we are,” said President Milton C. Moreland, “they affirm what makes our campus community special.”
A highlight this year is Centre’s impressive leap in the Undergraduate Teaching category — climbing over 20 places to reach #21 in the country.
“This speaks to Centre’s focus on close faculty mentorship, small classes and experiential learning, with professors who are truly invested in their students' growth,” said Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the College Alex McAllister.
U.S. News also ranked Centre #20 in Best Value among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Access and affordability have long been central to the College’s mission, and in 2024, the College introduced the Centre Promise — a pledge to meet the full calculated financial need of all incoming first-year students.
The College earned the #25 ranking in Study Abroad, with nearly 85 percent of Centre students participating in global education opportunities. In addition, Centre placed #41 among the Most Innovative Schools, underscoring the college’s forward-thinking approach to teaching and its embrace of new ideas.
Centre’s support for students from their very first day was also recognized, with the College earning the #45 spot in the First-Year Experiences category. All first-year students participate in the Finding Your Centre (FYC) seminar, where staff, faculty and peers help students transition into college life through mentorship, academic support and immersive experiences.
Overall, Centre was distinguished among the top liberal arts colleges nationwide, recognized at #55.
“This reflects the academic excellence of a Centre education,” Moreland said, “and the dedication and support of our faculty and staff, and the transformative success of our graduates."
About
Centre College
National Rankings
With an emphasis on affordability, academic quality and global opportunity, Centre has once again been recognized by national ranking agencies as one of the best colleges in America.
Forbes ranked Centre among the 25 most generous private colleges in the nation for scholarship support — and among the top schools for undergraduate outcomes.
The Princeton Review again recognized Centre as one of the best colleges in the country in its “The Best 391 Colleges” 2026 guide, and also listed Centre in its Best Value Colleges for 2025 report,
College Raptor ranked Centre #16 in its listing of the Best Colleges in the Southeast U.S.
Washington Monthly ranked Centre #50 among the nation's best liberal arts colleges and #46 among all southern colleges in bang for the buck.
Money.com ranked over 700 colleges and universities with a one-to-five-star rating, and Centre earned four-and-a-half stars.
