10 September 2024 Wall Street Journal Ranks HWS No. 4 in Nation for Student Experience By Colin Spencer '19
Campus facilities, community and diversity distinguish Hobart and William Smith’s student experience as one of the best in the country.
Hobart and William Smith ranks fourth in the nation for student experience according to the Wall Street Journal’s annual best colleges list.
In the WSJ/College Pulse’s 2025 list of the “Best Colleges in the U.S.,” HWS ranks high among 500 institutions based on campus facilities, community and social life, and diversity.
“Hobart and William Smith is committed to providing students with a relationship-rich education and opportunities that allow them to focus on their futures with confidence,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “Alongside the other rankings we’ve seen already this semester, this latest news from the Wall Street Journal is welcome recognition of the extraordinary learning environment at HWS.”
The campus facilities standing is based on the facilities available on campus, including those related to student housing, cocurricular activities and dining services. Community and social life reflects the sense of community, emotional-health and mental-health support, sustainability, and safety that students feel on campus, among other factors. Diversity takes into account the multiplicity of students’ ethnic backgrounds, family economic statuses and abilities, all based on government data. It also includes the quality and frequency of opportunities to interact with students from different backgrounds.
The ranking is based on an independent survey of verified college students and recent graduates in the U.S. It was developed and executed in collaboration with College Pulse and Statista. Read the full list and methodology here.
This accolade builds on HWS’ other rankings this year including being named first in the nation for service by Washington Monthly and top 20 for happiest students, career services, internships, alumni network and best value by The Princeton Review.
Top: Professor of Art and Architecture Lara Blanchard joins with students who took part in her First-Year Seminar for lunch.