The 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, released today, lists Albion College among the 50 Most Innovative national liberal arts colleges.

Albion earned its rank based on a methodology that focuses on innovations made in such areas as curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.

“We are extremely proud to be noted as one of the top 50 most innovative colleges in the country as indicated by U.S. News’ 2021 Best Colleges ranking,” said Dr. Hernan Bucheli, vice president for enrollment management. “This acknowledgment clearly underscores the distinctiveness of Albion College as an exemplary liberal arts college committed to academic excellence, inclusion and critical learning in and out of the classroom. This type of recognition is also indicative of the increased interest in Albion College relative to our enrollment growth over the last decade.”

Albion, with an official Fall 2020 enrollment of 1,509, also was recognized by the publication for how it prepares students for life and career success from their first day on campus. U.S. News ranked Albion 56th among all national colleges and universities in first-year experience programming (up 32 spots from a year ago), and 75th among national liberal arts colleges in the area of social mobility. Additionally, Albion improved its overall ranking by 10 places in the national liberal arts college category.

“Albion College is providing the bold and innovative liberal arts education demanded by today’s students who are preparing to change the world,” said Dr. Mathew Johnson, president of Albion College. “We are proud of all the hard work being done by students, faculty and staff in these challenging times, and that work will continue. Thanks to welcoming in one of our largest first-year classes in the last decade, Albion is again reaffirming its place as a national leader in preparing graduates who will make the crucial decisions our country and the world face.”

The 2021 U.S. News ranking joins a growing list that acknowledges Albion and its standing in the national conversation of leading liberal arts colleges.

Washington Monthly magazine recently placed Albion No. 2 in Michigan, No. 24 in the Midwest and among the top liberal arts colleges nationally, as well as in the top quintile of “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges and universities in the Midwest region.

Money.com listed Albion as the top small college in Michigan and No. 38 in the U.S. Additionally, the Princeton Review included Albion as one of its Best 386 Colleges, and the College once again was featured in The Fiske Guide to Colleges.