Earlham College shines in U.S. News rankings for affordability, teaching excellence, innovation, and global programs

Earlham College continues its longstanding tradition as a Top 100 national liberal arts college in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. The College also earned distinction in four additional categories, reflecting its strengths in value, innovation, teaching and global learning.

“These rankings affirm Earlham’s long-standing excellence and the transformative education we provide,” said Earlham President Paul Sniegowski. “Through The Epic Journey, we ensure that what happens in the classroom is deeply connected to expert mentorship, career preparation, and experiences that expand student’s personal and professional pursuits. It is a framework that surrounds students with the support they need to succeed in a fulfilling and successful life.”

This year Earlham ranked 76th overall among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges. The College ranked 17^th as a “Best Value College,” climbing from 21st last year, highlighting the College’s commitment to making an outstanding education accessible and affordable. Earlham was also named among the nation’s “Most Innovative Colleges” at No. 47, a ranking that rewards institutions with a forward-looking approach to curriculum and campus life. In addition, Earlham ranked 21st for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a list reserved for schools where students learn from expert faculty, not graduate or teaching assistants. In recognition of its outstanding global programs, the College ranked 36^th for study abroad opportunities.

“Earlham has been — and will continue to be — a place where bright, motivated students can expect both a world-class education and a supportive community,” Sniegowski said. “We are proud to see that recognized across so many categories this year.”

For more than four decades, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings have helped students and families identify institutions that align with their goals and values. The 2026 edition evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities using multiple measures of academic quality and student outcomes.

***

About Earlham College 

Earlham College and Earlham School of Religion foster a collaborative learning community that inspires and motivates students with transformative opportunities and experiences so they can become catalysts for good in a changing world. Located in Richmond, Indiana, Earlham is one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 75 national liberal arts colleges and offers one of the top 20 classroom experiences in the nation, according to the Princeton Review.