Albion College ranks 54th among public and private colleges and universities, up from 68th last year, in the 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings released Thursday by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse. Albion continues to rank first among all liberal arts colleges in Michigan and second among private institutions in the state.

“These rankings reaffirm the value our Albion College community places on delivering Michiganders—and all students regardless of background—an affordable and transformational education that is rich in experiential learning, personal attention, and positive results,” Albion College President Wayne Webster said. “When our students step foot onto campus, we are committed to doing all we can to help them find their home here among friends and caring and supportive faculty and staff who put them and their ambitions first.”

Albion also received accolades for enhancing students’ social mobility upon graduation, minimizing out-of-pocket costs to attend, boosting graduates’ salaries beyond what they would be expected to earn regardless of the college they attend, and providing students a great overall experience during their time on campus.

In Michigan, Albion ranks first among all private and public colleges and universities for social mobility and student experience, sixth for salary impact, and 10th for best value. Among liberal arts colleges in the state, Albion ranks first in every category.

Nationally, Albion ranks 15th for social mobility, 46th for student experience, 125th for salary impact, and 183rd for best value.

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The rankings rate the top 500 colleges and universities in the U.S. It is based on a variety of inputs, including Department of Education data, institutional net price data, census and economic data, as well as independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates. Student outcomes comprise 70 percent, learning environment is 20 percent, and diversity consists of 10 percent of the ranking.

Also see Albion College named to Princeton Reviews Best Colleges List