Top Liberal Arts Colleges (US) - Amherst & Williams ranked Top

Amherst College, one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the United States, is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to providing students with a comprehensive, transformative educational experience. In the 2009 rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Amherst College was ranked 1st, tied with Williams College, further cementing its position as a prestigious institution in the world of higher education. The college's open curriculum, which allows students to design their academic path without a required set of courses, is one of the key features that distinguishes it from other institutions. This freedom fosters intellectual independence and encourages exploration across disciplines. Amherst's faculty is also highly regarded, with professors often working closely with students on research projects and academic endeavors. The campus itself, set in the picturesque town of Amherst, Massachusetts, provides a conducive environment for study and reflection, with a strong sense of community and collaboration.

Williams College, located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is another top-ranked liberal arts college, sharing the top spot with Amherst College in the 2009 U.S. News rankings. Williams has long been a leader in liberal arts education, known for its small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and focus on undergraduate research. The college emphasizes a personalized education, with students encouraged to take on independent research projects and engage deeply with their professors. Williams has also been highly ranked in various other categories, including its strong academic reputation, faculty quality, and resources for students. Its location in the scenic Berkshire Mountains contributes to a serene and inspiring environment that helps students to focus on their studies and foster their intellectual curiosity. Williams’ open curriculum, like that of Amherst, allows students the flexibility to explore a broad range of subjects without the constraints of a rigid core curriculum, allowing for a truly individualized academic experience.

Swarthmore College, located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, ranks 3rd in the 2009 U.S. News rankings, solidifying its place among the nation's best liberal arts colleges. Swarthmore has earned a reputation for its intellectual rigor, strong academic programs, and commitment to social responsibility. The college is part of the Tri-College Consortium, which also includes Bryn Mawr and Haverford colleges, allowing students to take courses at these institutions and broaden their academic horizons. In addition to its outstanding academic offerings, Swarthmore is known for its focus on interdisciplinary learning, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging students to engage with real-world issues. One of the key distinctions of Swarthmore is its emphasis on civic engagement and social responsibility, with many students participating in community service and advocacy projects throughout their time at the college.

Swarthmore's ranking as the No. 1 "Best Value" private college by The Princeton Review in 2009 speaks to the college's commitment to providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. Swarthmore offers substantial financial aid packages, ensuring that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can attend without taking on crippling debt. This focus on value makes Swarthmore an attractive option for students seeking a top-tier education without the financial burden that often accompanies elite private colleges. Additionally, Swarthmore was ranked 4th in PC World's list of the "Most Wired Colleges" in 2006, a testament to its strong investment in technology and its commitment to providing students with the tools necessary for academic success in the digital age. The college’s emphasis on technological integration, combined with its strong liberal arts foundation, ensures that students are well-prepared for success in a variety of fields, from the humanities to the sciences.

Wellesley College, ranked 4th among liberal arts colleges by U.S. News in 2009, is widely regarded as one of the best women’s colleges in the country. Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Wellesley offers an intellectually stimulating environment with a strong focus on leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence. The college has an impressive track record of producing graduates who go on to achieve significant success in a variety of fields, including business, politics, science, and the arts. Wellesley’s commitment to empowering women through education has made it a leader in fostering the next generation of female leaders. The college’s rigorous academic programs, exceptional faculty, and strong sense of community make it an attractive choice for women seeking a challenging and supportive educational environment. Wellesley also offers extensive resources for women in leadership, including mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives.

Middlebury College, ranked 5th in the 2009 U.S. News rankings, is another outstanding liberal arts college, known for its strong emphasis on international studies and language programs. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, Middlebury offers a distinctive educational experience that combines a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a global perspective. The college’s language programs, particularly in French, Spanish, and Arabic, are among the best in the country, and students are encouraged to study abroad in order to gain firsthand experience of the cultures and societies they are studying. Middlebury also offers a robust environmental studies program, capitalizing on its location in Vermont’s beautiful natural surroundings. The college is known for its close-knit community, strong academic resources, and commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal choice for students interested in global issues and environmental concerns.

These five colleges—Amherst, Williams, Swarthmore, Wellesley, and Middlebury—represent the very best of liberal arts education in the United States, offering students access to world-class faculty, outstanding academic resources, and an intellectually stimulating environment. Each of these institutions is known for its commitment to undergraduate education, providing students with the tools they need to think critically, engage with complex problems, and succeed in a variety of fields. Their rankings reflect their longstanding reputations for academic excellence, and they continue to attract talented students from around the world.

Beyond their academic prowess, these colleges share a common emphasis on creating supportive and inclusive campus communities. At institutions like Amherst and Williams, small class sizes foster close relationships between students and faculty, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. Swarthmore, with its commitment to social responsibility, encourages students to engage with real-world issues and contribute to positive social change. Wellesley’s focus on empowering women provides a unique environment where female students are encouraged to pursue leadership roles and achieve success in fields traditionally dominated by men. Middlebury’s global perspective prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle global challenges.

In addition to their academic and extracurricular offerings, these colleges also benefit from strong alumni networks that provide graduates with access to career opportunities and professional connections. The extensive alumni networks at institutions like Swarthmore and Williams ensure that students can tap into a wide range of resources and mentorship opportunities, helping them to transition from college to the professional world.

In conclusion, the liberal arts colleges ranked at the top by U.S. News in 2009—Amherst, Williams, Swarthmore, Wellesley, and Middlebury—represent the pinnacle of undergraduate education in the United States. Their commitment to academic excellence, faculty quality, and creating supportive communities for students ensures that these institutions remain at the forefront of liberal arts education. Whether through the flexible and open curriculum at Amherst and Williams, the focus on social responsibility at Swarthmore, or the emphasis on leadership and women’s empowerment at Wellesley, these colleges continue to set the standard for higher education. With their world-class resources, exceptional faculty, and strong sense of community, these institutions provide students with an unparalleled education that prepares them for success in the rapidly changing global landscape.

Ranking of Best Liberal Arts Colleges by US News (Top 70 list):
1 Amherst College
1 Williams College
3 Swarthmore College
4 Wellesley College
5 Middlebury College
6 Bowdoin College
6 Pomona College
8 Carleton College
9 Davidson College
10 Haverford College
11 Claremont McKenna College
11 Vassar College
13 Wesleyan University
14 Grinnell College
14 Harvey Mudd College
14 United States Military Academy
17 Washington and Lee University
18 Colgate University
18 Smith College
20 Hamilton College
20 Oberlin College
22 United States Naval Academy
23 Bryn Mawr College
23 Colby College
25 Bates College
25 Macalester College
27 Barnard College
27 Mount Holyoke College
27 Scripps College
30 Bucknell University
30 Colorado College
32 Kenyon College
33 Trinity College
33 University of Richmond
35 College of the Holy Cross
35 Lafayette College
37 Bard College
37 Furman University
37 Occidental College
37 Whitman College
41 Sewanee--University of the South
42 Connecticut College
42 Franklin and Marshall College
42 Union College
45 Centre College
45 Dickinson College
47 Skidmore College
47 St. Olaf College
49 DePauw University
49 Gettysburg College
49 Pitzer College
49 Rhodes College
53 Denison University
54 Reed College
54 Wabash College
56 Lawrence University
56 Wheaton College
58 St. Lawrence University
58 Wheaton College
60 Agnes Scott College
60 Beloit College
60 Illinois Wesleyan University
60 Kalamazoo College
60 Thomas Aquinas College
60 Willamette University
60 Wofford College
67 Earlham College
68 Berea College
68 Hobart and William Smith Colleges
68 Southwestern University

Source: US News & World Report 2009