University of Richmond ranked as top-25 Best Liberal Arts School, top-10 Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report
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The University of Richmond earned two top rankings in the U.S. News and World Report's 2025-26 Best Colleges guide, released Sept. 23.
UR is ranked No. 22 among national liberal arts colleges (a ranking it has held for nine straight years) and No. 8 in the “Most Innovative Schools, category (it was No. 13 last year).
“The University of Richmond offers a rigorous liberal arts education and a tight-knit community, with transformative learning and mentorship opportunities both in and outside the classroom,” said UR President Kevin F. Hallock. “Together, our remarkable students, staff, and faculty continue to achieve so much. We have terrific momentum, and our future is bright.”
The U.S. News rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities.
The national liberal arts colleges ranking includes schools that emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the arts and sciences. A variety of factors are considered as part of the ranking methodology, including student-faculty ratio, academic resources, graduation rates, and student outcomes.
The “Most Innovative Schools” category highlights colleges that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities.
When students returned this semester, they did so to find new and expanded library spaces, as part of the first phase of Boatwright Memorial Library’s major renovation and expansion.
UR also offers students its Weinstein Learning Center, which houses academic services in a collaborative, state-of-the-art space designed to support all students.
The Faculty Hub offers comprehensive support for faculty and instructional staff related to teaching and scholarship through personalized consultations, dynamic workshops, and ongoing programs.
“Innovation is a key theme woven throughout our academic offerings and programming and is integral to the liberal arts,” said Joan Saab, UR's executive vice president and provost. “We consistently review and expand our existing opportunities to best serve our students. For example, we are using AI to enhance learning and research across disciplines and ensure our students are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving world.”
