Hobart and William Smith Colleges just landed on nine of The Princeton Review’s top 25 college lists, including standout spots for career services, student happiness, and community service.
The 2026 edition of The Best 391 Colleges was released August 12 and confirms HWS as one of the most well-rounded and student-focused institutions in the country. The rankings are based on more than 170,000 student surveys, as well as input from administrators and alumni salary data.
Among the standout rankings:
- #3 in Most Engaged Community Service
- #4 in Their Students Love These Colleges
- #9 in Happiest Students
- #10 in Best Career Services
- #10 in Lots of Race/Class Interaction
- #11 in Greek Life
- #16 in Friendliest Students
- #20 in Best Student Support and Counseling Services
- #20 in Best-Run Colleges
Students say HWS delivers
Students praised HWS for its “outstanding” Career Services Office, small discussion-based classes, and professors who go out of their way to support and challenge them.
One student described the vibe on campus as a “vibrant tapestry of diversity and dynamism.” Others highlighted open conversations and a culture of motivation, kindness, and inclusion.
“Academic curiosity is truly remarkable here,” one student said.
Strong returns for grads
Data from PayScale also helped shape the rankings, with alumni reporting a median starting salary of $69,100 and mid-career salary of $132,600. That helped HWS earn a 90/99 score for return on investment.
The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief Rob Franek noted that only about 15% of the country’s four-year colleges make it into the guide.
Building on recent wins
These new accolades come just months after HWS was named one of the best value colleges in the U.S. for the 10th year in a row. The colleges also placed in national rankings for:
- #9 Best Schools for Making an Impact
- #10 Best Alumni Network
- #12 Best Schools for Internships
HWS was additionally featured in lists for Best in the Northeast, Colleges That Create Futures, and Green Colleges.
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