Reviews and Rankings
How Principia Ranks
Principia College is frequently recognized for academic excellence, value, affordability, and alumni success. Here are a few recent reviews and rankings.
Best National Liberal Arts Colleges 2017
Once again, U.S. News & World Report ranks Principia College among the top schools that emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in liberal arts fields of study.
2018 Best Midwestern College
The Princeton Review has awarded Principia College a spot on its list of “Best Midwestern” schools that are “academically outstanding and well worth consideration.”
Best Colleges
Principia is ranked #5 on BestColleges.com's 2017 list of Illinois colleges providing a quality education that prepares students for successful careers.
Money magazine ranked Principia College in the top 10 percent in 2015 based on educational quality, affordability, and alumni earnings.
Most Affordable Private Colleges
Principia College earned the #4 spot in Money magazine's 2015 rankings of the 50 most affordable private colleges.
Best College Values
Principia is ranked #14 on U.S. News & World Report's 2017 list of colleges that provide the highest quality education for the lowest price.
Kiplinger ranks Principia College in the top 25 percent in the nation for best college value in 2017. Among liberal arts colleges, Principia is ranked #37 nationally.
America's Top Colleges
Principia College is recognized as a top college in Forbes magazine's 2015 rankings.
Best Buy
Principia College is one of only 18 private colleges across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. to receive this designation. Read the full write-up.
Principia was also recognized in Fiske's 2017 guide as a "best and most interesting" school.
Most International Colleges
U.S. News & World Report recognizes Principia's global student body—#11 on its 2017 list of national liberal arts colleges with the largest proportions of international undergrads.
Lowest Student Loan Debt
Principia College is in the top 10 percent in the nation for students graduating with low amounts of debt, according to LendEDU.
Greenest Colleges
Principia College’s commitment to sustainability has been honored by the Sierra Club in its 2016 “Cool Schools” list of greenest colleges and universities, as measured by campus sustainability programs and curricula. Principia is ranked #7 on the list for sustainable energy use.
The Princeton Review recognizes Principia College among its 2018 list of "Green Colleges."