St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) cemented its place among America’s top colleges with the release of the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. Maintaining its ranking as the No. 5 Public National Liberal Arts College – and the top college after four military institutions – St. Mary’s College improved its position among the top 100 of all national liberal arts colleges (public and private).
“We are proud to be recognized among the nation’s top colleges across so many rankings. This ranking affirms what our students and alumni already know: St. Mary’s College of Maryland provides an exceptional and affordable honors-level liberal arts and sciences education that prepares graduates for lives of purpose, impact, and success,” said David Hautanen Jr., vice president for enrollment management. “The excellence of our faculty and staff, the strength of our community and the transformative experiences our students have on our beautiful waterfront campus set us apart as the National Public Honors College.”
The release of the U.S. News rankings caps a series of rankings announcements that include a wealth of accolades for SMCM. Other key rankings include:
- The Princeton Review “The Best 391 Colleges” 2026*
- No. 9 Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation
- No. 13 Friendliest Students
- The Princeton Review “Best Value Colleges” 2025*
- No. 2 Best School for Making an Impact (Public Schools)
- No. 45 Top 50 Best Value Colleges (Public Schools)
- Forbes “Top Colleges” 2026
- Niche 2025
- No. 1 Best College Food in Maryland
- No. 2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland
- Washington Monthly "Best Bang for the Buck"
- 2024-25 Silver Military Friendly® School
- Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025 "Best and Most Interesting College"
For a complete roundup of SMCM's rankings, visit About / Rankings.
*From The Princeton Review. Used with permission. ©2025 TPR Education IP Holding, LLC. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University.
