US News Best College Rankings - 2024 Edition - HC #27

I write to you today with good news and gratitude. Earlier this morning, US News released its 2023-2024 Best Colleges rankings and Holy Cross is ranked #27 among 211 liberal arts colleges.

This new ranking represents significant progress as we moved 6 places (from #33 last year and #35 the year before) into the top 30 colleges in the country. This recognition is one to celebrate, even while we acknowledge that national rankings do not confer objective value on something as meaningful as a liberal arts education. They do tell us, however, that our mission, strategic vision and daily efforts are making a significant and positive impact—one that is increasingly recognized nationally. We know from our survey data that academic reputation matters to our young people—whether they are current or prospective students—and national rankings support their ability to engage confidently in the college decision-making process.

You may wonder what factors contributed to this progress. US News and other national ranking outlets are adapting their methodologies to better align with what we all know matters in education: centering our students’ growth and success. These changes in ranking indicators place greater emphasis on social mobility factors, academic excellence and student experience. More specifically, US News has increased weight on the following indicators:

Graduation and First-Year Retention Rates: With increased value placed on our graduation rate and retention of first-year students, Holy Cross increased its national standing.

Student-Faculty Ratio and Full-Time Faculty Numbers: US News quadrupled and tripled, respectively, the weights placed in these categories, positively shifting Holy Cross’ national ranking.

Pell Graduation Rates and Pell Graduation Performance: The College was favorably impacted by a greater emphasis on the success of Pell-eligible students. Inclusive excellence has long been core to who we are. That said, like many institutions, the number of Pell-eligible students fluctuated around the pandemic. The good news is that percentage is trending upwards—the Class of 2027 includes more students of color, Pell-eligible students and first-generation college students than the preceding class. I am both inspired by this progress and driven by the reality that there is more work to be done to ensure equitable experiences and outcomes for all of our students. With Aspire, we will deepen our commitment to expand access to a Holy Cross education and continue to work with partners like Questbridge and American Talent Initiative to improve outreach and support of Pell-eligible and first-generation students.

For many campus members, this news will come as no surprise. Our vibrant academic life, shaped by our Jesuit tradition, has long placed great emphasis on a holistic, contextualized and student-centered learning environment. I commend outlets like US News and the Wall Street Journal for rethinking what matters when evaluating the quality and purpose of an excellent liberal arts education.

Most importantly, this is a recognition of the incredible work of our students, faculty and staff. I am deeply grateful for the many ways in which you contribute to our community and support each other and our young people. Thank you.