National Recognition as HWS Claims 9 Distinctions in Fresh Rankings
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Rank High in Princeton Review's Top 25 College Lists
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) have once again made a strong impression in The Princeton Review's 2026 edition of The Best 391 Colleges, landing on nine of the top 25 college lists. The prestigious institution ranks in the top 15% of four-year colleges in the country, solidifying its position as one of the most well-rounded and student-focused institutions in the United States.
The high rankings are attributed to several specific factors that highlight HWS's commitment to student satisfaction, academic excellence, and overall development.
Strong Student Satisfaction and Community
HWS ranks highly for several categories that reflect the close-knit community, kindness among peers, and abundant leadership and involvement opportunities. The college ranks #4 in "Their Students Love These Colleges," #9 in "Happiest Students," and #16 in "Friendliest Students."
Engaged and Caring Faculty
Students praise HWS for its "outstanding" Career Services Office, small discussion-based classes, and professors who go out of their way to support and challenge them. This dedication to academic excellence places HWS at #20 in "Best Student Support and Counseling Services."
Leadership Access and Student Involvement
HWS offers accessible leadership roles in academics and athletics, supported by vibrant extracurriculars like arts, athletics, and community service. This commitment to student development and involvement can be seen in the college's #11 ranking in "Greek Life" and #10 in "Best Career Services."
Community Service Engagement
HWS is deeply committed to community service, ranking #3 nationally for "Most Engaged Community Service." Students are strongly involved in local civic activities, demonstrating a culture of compassion and civic responsibility.
Alumni Success and Network
The college is recognised for having a strong alumni network, with median starting salaries reported at $69,100 and mid-career salaries at $132,600. This strong alumni network and excellent return on investment earns HWS a 90/99 score for return on investment. The college is also ranked #10 for "Best Alumni Network."
Value and Impact Recognition
For the 10th consecutive year, HWS is listed among best value colleges and is noted for “Best Schools for Making an Impact” (#9) and “Best Schools for Internships” (#12).
Together, these elements—student happiness, faculty dedication, leadership opportunities, community engagement, alumni outcomes, support services, and value—combine to elevate HWS in The Princeton Review's rankings.
In addition to these rankings, HWS is also featured in lists for Best in the Northeast, Colleges That Create Futures, and Green Colleges. One student described the vibe on campus as a "vibrant tapestry of diversity and dynamism."
Data from PayScale supports these rankings, showing that HWS alumni have a median starting salary of $69,100 and a mid-career salary of $132,600. The rankings are based on more than 170,000 student surveys, as well as input from administrators and alumni salary data.
With these impressive rankings, Hobart and William Smith Colleges continue to stand out as a premier institution for academic excellence, student development, and overall well-being.
Read also:
- Postpartum Period and Gestational Diabetes: Does it Persist?
- Controlled spree of Legionnaires' disease among Harlem residents ceased, city health authorities confirm; however, locals push for increased openness and information disclosure
- Transform City for the Better
- Prostate Cancer Examination Guidelines, Outcomes, and Financial Aspects
