Daily Beast College Rankings

In 2011, Newsweek/The Daily Beast released a ranking of the nation's best colleges, using a diverse range of metrics to assess universities and their overall environments. These rankings considered everything from academic rigor and student satisfaction to campus aesthetics and health programs. The resulting list not only highlighted institutions with strong academic credentials but also those that offered exceptional campus life, student engagement, and post-graduation success. For students, parents, and educators alike, these rankings offer a snapshot of what makes a college experience well-rounded and fulfilling.

Among the top performers, institutions like Lawrence University, the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, and Southern Methodist University (SMU) stood out for their distinct strengths, from academic rigor to social engagement and personal well-being.

Lawrence University, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, was ranked 18th in the Newsweek/The Daily Beast list of the most academically rigorous colleges in 2011. What makes this ranking particularly striking is that Lawrence outranked several Ivy League schools, including prestigious institutions like Princeton, Yale, and Stanford. This level of recognition highlights Lawrence’s reputation for intellectual challenge and academic depth. A small liberal arts college with a focus on individualized attention and academic exploration, Lawrence is known for its rigorous curriculum and the flexibility it offers students in designing their academic paths.

Lawrence University’s ranking as the 18th most rigorous college indicates that it is deeply committed to fostering an environment that demands intellectual engagement from its students. Its small class sizes and intimate faculty-student ratio ensure that students receive personalized instruction, which plays a significant role in the university’s academic intensity. Beyond its academic rigor, Lawrence also ranked 21st for the most accessible professors. This is important because while rigor is key to a strong academic institution, accessibility of faculty can make or break a student’s experience. Professors at Lawrence are not only experts in their fields but are also deeply invested in their students' personal and academic growth. This combination of rigor and accessibility makes Lawrence an ideal environment for students seeking a challenging but supportive academic experience.

The University of Georgia (UGA) also made significant strides in the 2011 Newsweek/The Daily Beast rankings, finishing in the top 10 in two key categories: Most Beautiful (8th) and Healthiest (10th). These rankings reflect UGA's commitment to providing a well-rounded campus experience. The "Most Beautiful" ranking is particularly notable, as it suggests that UGA not only provides excellent academic resources but also boasts a stunning and aesthetically pleasing campus. For many students, the physical beauty of their college environment plays a significant role in their sense of well-being and overall satisfaction with their school. UGA’s picturesque campus, with its historic buildings, expansive green spaces, and tree-lined paths, creates a welcoming and inspiring backdrop for academic achievement.

In addition to its visual appeal, UGA’s ranking as one of the healthiest schools in the country underscores its dedication to student health and wellness. With an array of recreational programs, healthy dining options, and resources for mental and physical well-being, UGA is designed to foster a lifestyle of balance and health. The presence of state-of-the-art fitness centers and wellness programs helps students maintain healthy lifestyles, which is particularly important in a college setting where the pressures of academic work, social life, and extracurricular commitments can often lead to stress and burnout.

UGA also ranked 12th for the number of graduates who have gone on to become U.S. presidents or members of Congress, reflecting the institution’s long-standing influence in producing future political leaders. The connection between UGA and political success adds an additional layer of prestige, as it showcases the university’s ability to foster civic-minded students who go on to shape the nation’s future.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), another institution in the Newsweek/The Daily Beast rankings, showcased its strength in multiple categories. UNC ranked 23rd for being the healthiest college in the nation, 9th for its campus beauty, 8th for producing future politicians, and 22nd for having the greenest campus. UNC’s health programs and environmental sustainability efforts were central to these rankings, with the university having earned a reputation for being both physically and environmentally mindful. The healthiness of a campus is not just a reflection of physical health initiatives, but also mental health resources, which are increasingly important for students facing the stresses of college life.

Moreover, UNC’s recognition as one of the top schools for future politicians reflects its strong tradition of political engagement, activism, and its influence on public service. The university is known for producing graduates who go on to serve in political office or work in policy-making roles, and it has a proud history of political activism. Given that UNC is also a top contender for its green campus initiatives, this well-rounded approach to student engagement—civic, environmental, and academic—makes it an appealing choice for students interested in shaping their communities and beyond.

Bryn Mawr College, a historically women’s institution in Pennsylvania, ranked highly in several categories in the Newsweek/The Daily Beast rankings, including being 6th for Accessible Professors, 24th for Most Rigorous, 17th for Most Service-Oriented, and 16th for Activists. Bryn Mawr’s emphasis on accessible professors indicates a commitment to a close-knit academic community where students can interact frequently with their professors, ensuring a high level of mentorship and academic guidance. This ranking is consistent with Bryn Mawr’s focus on empowering students through personal engagement and mentorship, as well as its long-standing tradition of fostering women’s leadership in academic and professional settings.

The academic rigor at Bryn Mawr is balanced by a commitment to service, as evidenced by its ranking as one of the most service-oriented schools in the country. Students at Bryn Mawr are encouraged to engage in community service and activism, which contributes to the college’s strong culture of social responsibility. The college has a long history of producing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also committed to making a positive impact on society. The combination of rigorous academics and a strong culture of service makes Bryn Mawr an appealing choice for students who want to balance intellectual challenges with meaningful community engagement.

Mount Holyoke College, another women’s college in Massachusetts, ranked 12th for the most academically rigorous schools in the country, surpassing several Ivy League universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. This ranking speaks to the college’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual development. Mount Holyoke’s position in the rankings indicates that it is a place where students are deeply challenged to engage critically with complex ideas, fostering intellectual curiosity and academic depth. Furthermore, Mount Holyoke was also ranked 10th for student activism, reflecting the institution’s focus on social engagement and advocacy. The school’s academic programs, combined with a strong emphasis on social justice and activism, make it an ideal environment for students who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

Southern Methodist University (SMU), based in Dallas, Texas, was ranked as the 11th happiest school in America by Newsweek/The Daily Beast. This ranking is indicative of the university’s vibrant campus life and supportive community, where students find not only academic success but also a sense of belonging and fulfillment. SMU’s A-grade in housing and nightlife suggests that the university provides its students with both comfortable living arrangements and exciting social opportunities, contributing to overall student satisfaction. The ranking also highlights the university’s efforts to create a positive and welcoming environment, where students can balance their academic, social, and personal lives. The happiness of students is an important factor in their overall success and well-being, and SMU’s ranking as one of the happiest schools reflects its commitment to fostering a balanced and enriching college experience.

In conclusion, the Newsweek/The Daily Beast 2011 rankings offer a valuable snapshot of the diverse strengths of U.S. colleges and universities, highlighting institutions that excel not only in academics but also in student life, campus beauty, health, and civic engagement. Whether through academic rigor, student well-being, or opportunities for activism, schools like Lawrence University, the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bryn Mawr College, Mount Holyoke College, and Southern Methodist University have established themselves as institutions that prioritize a holistic student experience. These rankings serve as a reminder that the best colleges are those that provide a balanced environment, fostering intellectual growth while also supporting students’ personal and social development.