Lancaster, PA, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Franklin & Marshall College has been recognized as the top institution for higher education in Lancaster County according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, holding a consistent 35th place among national liberal arts colleges. The college boasts a strong student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1 and emphasizes small class sizes to enhance personalized learning. Additionally, it ranks 46th in the best value category, while fellow local institution Elizabethtown College surpasses it at 27th. The rankings provide essential guidance for prospective students and families.
LANCASTER, PA – Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) has emerged as the highest-rated institution for higher education in Lancaster County, as indicated by the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The college is currently ranked 35th among national liberal arts colleges, maintaining this position for the second time in three years. F&M shares this ranking with Occidental College located in Los Angeles.
In the U.S. News rankings, the top college is Williams College situated in Williamstown, Massachusetts. U.S. News highlighted F&M’s impressive student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1, which is indicative of the personalized learning environment available to students. More than 64% of classes at F&M have 20 or fewer students, further emphasizing the college’s commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention.
In addition to its overall ranking, Franklin & Marshall College is also positioned at 46th for best value, a category that takes into account tuition costs, needs-based assistance, and educational performance. Comparatively, Elizabethtown College ranks higher in this category at 27th, which is 19 spots above F&M. Elizabethtown College is also ranked 45th among Regional Universities North and holds the 6th position for best undergraduate teaching, a measure that assesses the school’s focus on teaching undergraduates rather than prioritizing research-oriented graduate students.
Other notable institutions in the area include Lancaster Bible College, which is ranked 146th among Regional Universities North and comes in at 52nd for social mobility based on acceptance and graduation rates for disadvantaged students, such as those who received Pell grants. Millersville University has achieved a rank of 98th among Regional Universities North and has shown significant improvement in its teaching rankings, moving to 11th for best undergraduate teaching, an increase from its previous position of 19th last year.
The U.S. News college rankings serve as a valuable resource for prospective students and their families, providing insight into the performance and reputation of institutions across the country. The rankings can be accessed online at usnews.com/best-colleges, allowing individuals to explore further details about various colleges and universities.
Key Statistics of Local Colleges’ Rankings
| College Name | Ranking (National/Regional) | Best Value Ranking | Best Undergraduate Teaching Ranking | Social Mobility Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin & Marshall College | 35th (National Liberal Arts Colleges) | 46th | N/A | N/A |
| Elizabethtown College | 45th (Regional Universities North) | 27th | 6th | N/A |
| Lancaster Bible College | 146th (Regional Universities North) | N/A | N/A | 52nd |
| Millersville University | 98th (Regional Universities North) | N/A | 11th | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the ranking of Franklin & Marshall College according to the latest U.S. News & World Report?
Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) is ranked 35th among national liberal arts colleges, maintaining this position for the second time in three years.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio at F&M?
F&M’s student-to-teacher ratio is 9:1.
How is F&M rated in terms of value?
F&M is ranked 46th for best value, which considers tuition, needs-based assistance, and educational performance.
How does Elizabethtown College compare to F&M in the best value category?
Elizabethtown College is ranked 27th for best value, which is 19 spots higher than F&M.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Lancaster Online
- U.S. News & World Report
- Patch
- Wikipedia: Higher Education in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
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