Franklin & Marshall College’s Stellar Ranking in U.S. News & World Report
On September 27, 2025, Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) celebrated a significant achievement: it emerged as the highest-rated institution for higher education in Lancaster County, according to the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings.
Impressive National Standing
F&M was ranked 35th among national liberal arts colleges, a milestone it has reached for the second time in three years. This ranking puts F&M alongside Occidental College in Los Angeles, highlighting its excellence in higher education. The college celebrated this achievement with pride, especially considering that Williams College in Massachusetts maintained its position as the top college on the list.
Key Factors Behind the Rankings
The U.S. News ranking process evaluates various parameters that reflect the quality of education. For F&M, a standout feature was its 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and mentorship for students. Moreover, the report highlighted that over 64% of classes at Franklin & Marshall host 20 or fewer students. This intimate classroom setting contributes to a richer educational experience where individual learning can thrive.
Best Value and Undergraduate Teaching
In addition to its overall ranking, F&M also secured a position as 46th for best value, a category that assesses tuition costs in relation to educational performance and needs-based financial assistance. While this is commendable, it is worth noting that Elizabethtown College outperformed F&M in value, ranking 27th overall — a significant jump from its previous spots.
Furthermore, Elizabethtown College ranked 6th for best undergraduate teaching, showcasing its commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment for students. This focus on teaching undergraduates, as opposed to prioritizing research-focused graduate programs, sets institutions like Elizabethtown apart in the competitive landscape of higher education.
Rankings for Other Local Institutions
Lanaster’s local colleges also received their share of accolades in the U.S. News rankings. Lancaster Bible College ranked 146th among Regional Universities North, but it distinguished itself by securing the 52nd position for social mobility. This metric gauges how well colleges support disadvantaged students, particularly those receiving Pell Grants.
Similarly, Millersville University was spotted at 98th among Regional Universities North, yet it shone in the best undergraduate teaching category, ascending to 11th place, a notable leap from its previous 19th position.
Additional Noteworthy Rankings
Colleges beyond Lancaster County also achieved commendable rankings. For example, Gettysburg College ranked tied for 36th in Best Undergraduate Teaching while simultaneously achieving 54th in Best Value. In Berks County, Albright College was recognized as tied for 170th in National Liberal Arts Colleges, but its position reflects the diversity of opportunities available in the region.
Cumberland County saw Dickinson College earning tied for 43rd in Best Undergraduate Teaching and tied for 45th in National Liberal Arts Colleges, alongside a 47th place for best value, demonstrating its robust educational offerings.
Where to Find the Full Rankings
For those interested in exploring these rankings further, U.S. News & World Report provides a comprehensive overview online. The full details and specific rankings can be found at their dedicated colleges page: usnews.com/best-colleges.
This latest chapter in Franklin & Marshall College’s history not only highlights its dedication to quality education but also emphasizes the strong competitive spirit among educational institutions in Lancaster County and beyond. The rankings serve as a testament to the hard work and commitment of faculty and staff, along with the resilience and ambition of their students.