Skidmore named among nation’s top liberal arts colleges

Skidmore College continues to receive recognition for its distinctive academic experience and excellent teaching; great campus life; strong financial aid; and commitment to student success and sustainability, affirming the College’s position as a leading liberal arts institution in the nation. 

Forbes again included Skidmore on its “Top Colleges 2026,” and Skidmore continues to hold a strong national standing among “National Liberal Arts Colleges” (No. 37) according to U.S. News & World Report. Niche.com also listed the College among the “Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York” (No. 5) and as one of the “Best Colleges in New York” (No. 14). 

The Princeton Review continues to feature Skidmore in its list of “Best Value Colleges.” The publication highlighted Skidmore for “Great Financial Aid,” based on student satisfaction with financial aid packages and underscoring the College’s commitment to making a transformative Skidmore education accessible to academically talented students with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and achievements. 

Skidmore students rate their residential experience highly. Skidmore earned recognition for “Best Quality of Life” (No. 23) from The Princeton Review in recognition of student feedback on the beauty, safety, and friendliness of its campus in Saratoga Springs, New York. Niche.com further showcased Skidmore’s exceptional student life, with top rankings for “Best College Food in New York” (No. 5), “Best College Dorms in New York” (No. 15), and “Best College Campuses in New York” (No. 18). 

Skidmore also stands out for its leadership in sustainability and civic engagement. The Princeton Review included Skidmore on its "Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact (Private Schools)" (No. 14), “Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation” (No. 17), and “Top 50 Green Colleges” (No. 18) based on student surveys about community service, student government, sustainability, and on-campus student engagement. 

Skidmore was also recognized for its rigorous education and exceptional academic programs, with programs in psychology, English, history, computer science, health and human physiological sciences, biology, art, and performing arts among those receiving accolades from Niche.com. Skidmore’s exceptional faculty garnered attention, with U.S. News & World Report featuring Skidmore on its listing for “Undergraduate Teaching – National Liberal Arts Colleges.” 

“Rankings can’t tell the full story of what makes Skidmore distinctive or how Creative Thought Matters guides everything we do here at Skidmore and why it leads to such tremendous outcomes for our graduates,” says Jessica Ricker, vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions and financial aid. “That’s why we invite prospective students and their families to experience it themselves — by visiting our beautiful campus or by attending a virtual session with our current students and alumni.”