Muhlenberg College has achieved its highest rating ever in the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) Best Colleges rankings, placing No. 62 among 203 National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2027 edition released today.
The record-setting position surpasses the college’s previous historic high of 64 in 2015 and represents an eight-place jump from last year’s rank of 70. Additionally, Muhlenberg is seated at No. 59 in the new ranking of Top Private National Liberal Arts Colleges.
The college’s 2027 USNWR rankings highlight substantial gains across multiple key categories, including social mobility, academic programs, and overall institutional performance:
- Best Colleges for Social Mobility: Advanced 15 positions to No. 66 nationally among 203 top-performing institutions.
- Undergraduate Psychology Programs: Rose 21 positions to No. 276 nationally out of 676 ranked programs.
- Financial Resources: Advanced nine places compared to last year, reflecting increased per-student investment in academic programs and student services.
“We are proud of this progress, which reflects our steadfast commitment to delivering an extraordinary educational experience and a strong return on investment for our students,” said Muhlenberg College President Kathleen Harring. “While we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on continued investment in the student outcomes that matter most.”
Outcomes Drive Recognition
Student outcomes — a category in which Muhlenberg consistently demonstrates exceptional strength — accounts for more than half (52%) of the U.S. News ratings formula. The college’s first-year retention rate held steady at 90% while its six-year graduation rate rose to 83%.
Notably, Muhlenberg continues to outperform USNWR’s predicted graduation rate — this year by nine percentage points, underscoring the college’s ability to help students succeed beyond statistical expectations. Data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard also confirmed that the return on investment for Muhlenberg’s federal loan recipients remains a key institutional strength.
Broad National Acclaim Across Major Rankings
Muhlenberg’s historic performance in USNWR complements widespread national recognition across several recent higher education reports:
- The Princeton Review named Muhlenberg one of the Best 391 Colleges and Best Mid-Atlantic Colleges, and No. 5 nationally for Best College Theater.
- TIME Magazine ranked Muhlenberg No. 198 out of 500 top institutions nationwide in the inaugural “America’s Best Colleges” list, which evaluates long-term success, graduate earnings, and financial payoff.
- Washington Monthly ranked the college No. 163 nationally and No. 49 in the Northeast on the “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list, earning top marks for student outcomes and return on investment.
- Forbes listed Muhlenberg as an A+ grade on its 2026 Forbes College Financial Grades report.
- Niche ranked the college #23 overall in Pennsylvania and No. 1 for Best College Food in the state.
