Salem College ranks among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation, and is recognized regionally as one of the best returns on investment, according to new college rankings released this week by Washington Monthly.

The magazine’s annual College Guide and Rankings, assessed universities and colleges across the country on many factors, including how well they improve social mobility, produce research and promote public service.

Salem College ranked in the top 30 of all liberal arts schools in the US, and placed fifth in the “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges in the southeast. 

The Women’s College Coalition pointed out that Salem College had a strong showing in the rankings, alongside other all-female schools. 

Top 30 Liberal Arts Colleges

• Bryn Mawr College (6)
• Wellesley College (17)
• Agnes Scott College (22)
• Salem College (28)

And Salem was the No. 1 “Best Bang for the Buck” among women’s colleges in the southeast region.

Southeast

• Salem College (5)
• Trinity Washington University (8)
• Columbia College (10)
• Brenau University (19)
• Agnes Scott College (23)
• Mary Baldwin College (26)
• Converse College (43)
• Spelman College (71)

“We are thrilled that Washington Monthly recognizes the return on investment in and the enduring value of a liberal arts education at Salem College,” said Susan Calovini, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and Dean of the College. “With rigorous academics and unparalleled personalized attention from our faculty and staff, Salem College works hard to produce leaders who are supremely prepared to fulfill their professional dreams and make the world a better place.”

“This year’s candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination have promised huge new federal subsidies to students attending public colleges and universities. Yet those plans leave out [private colleges like Salem], which arguably do far more to advance the public interest than selective public universities that skew toward the children of wealth and privilege,” noted Kevin Carey, director of the Education Policy Program at New America and guest editor of the Washington Monthly College Guide issue.