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
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 the arts and sciences.
Best Value
Principia is ranked #9 (up from #14) on U.S. News & World Report's 2018 list of colleges that provide the highest quality education for the lowest price. We're the only Midwestern school in the Top 10—in the company of Williams, Wellesley, and Middlebury. See the list.
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
U.S. News & World Report recognizes Principia's global student body—#11 on its 2018 list of national liberal arts colleges with the largest proportions of international undergrads. See the list.
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 Value
Kiplinger ranks Principia College #42 in the nation among its 2018 best value liberal arts colleges.
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.
America's Top Colleges
Principia College is recognized as a top college in Forbes magazine's 2015 rankings.
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
The Princeton Review recognizes Principia College among its 2018 list of Green 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.