U.S. News Includes BSC in National Collegiate Ranking

For Immediate Release
Sep. 12, 2022

Birmingham-Southern College is once again included on the list of top National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report in “Best Colleges” for 2023, moving up 17 spots from its 2022 ranking. The rankings were released Sept. 12.

“We are pleased that BSC has once again moved up in the rankings,” said BSC President Daniel B. Coleman. “This is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff who provide a personalized education and a meaningful residential experience for students and prepare them for the future beyond our campus.”

The guide lists BSC at #111 — tied with six other national liberal arts colleges: Drew, Goucher, Lycoming, Ohio Wesleyan, Saint Anselm, St. Norbert, and Susquehanna University. There are about 500 liberal arts colleges in the United States; fewer than half of which are included in U.S. News & World Report’s “national liberal arts college” rankings. BSC was ranked #128 in the 2022 rankings.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings – considered the “gold standard” of higher education rankings – examined 1,500 bachelor’s degree-granting institutions in the United States on 17 measures of academic quality. Its methodology, which usually changes annually, includes a variety of metrics, including student retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, and social mobility.

BSC is one of 45 colleges included on the 2023 U.S. News & World Report — A+ Schools for B Students (National Liberal Arts Colleges) list. The ranking is determined in part by each school’s performance in the 2022-2023 edition of the Best Colleges rankings and the average freshman retention rate.

“One of our primary goals every year is to create a sense of community and belonging for all students from the moment they arrive on campus,” said Dr. David M. Eberhardt, Vice President for Student Development. “Our community is full of mentors, whether that’s faculty, staff, or peers, who share and guide students through the transition and challenges of college life. We also offer many opportunities for students to identify their interests and goals and confirm them through experiences like internships. We provide a rich environment that fosters students’ growth and discovery of their potential.”

U.S. News creates nearly 50 different types of numerical rankings and lists to guide students in their college search. U.S. News also ranks colleges and universities in other areas, such as Best Value Schools, Most Innovative Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans.

The 2023 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges guidebook is available for pre-order and will begin shipping in late October.