University of Scranton One of America’s Top Colleges, Per Forbes

The University of Scranton was already one of America’s best colleges, according to Forbes.

Now, the publication says, the University is getting even better.

The University of Scranton rose more than 125 spots year over year, making a return trip as one of 500 institutions of higher learning on the annual Forbes List of America’s Top Colleges 2026. The ranking is based on return on investment, average student debt and outcomes for graduates, among other factors.

Scranton is ranked 261st, climbing 138 spots from its 399th ranking a year ago.

This is the 17th year in which Scranton has made the list of elite schools, which includes 26 others in Pennsylvania.

Forbes’ ranking methodology was based on: 20% alumni salary, 15% debt, 15% graduation rate, 15% Forbes American Leaders List, 15% return on investment, 10% retention rate and 10% academic success.

Scranton’s Class of 2024 reported a 99% success rate in achieving their intended career path for graduates earning a bachelor’s degree. Those earning a graduate degree reported a 100% success rate, according to the Roche Family Center for Career Development’s First Destination Survey.

The University of Scranton has recently appeared on multiple noteworthy lists. Among them, the Princeton Review ranked Scranton a top-25 college in the nation in the Most Engaged in Community Service and Best Science Lab Facilities categories. The Princeton Review, which selected Scranton as one of the nation’s 391 Best Colleges, also featured the University’s Kania School of Management (KSOM) on its Best On-Campus MBA Programs list. The University was also highlighted by Niche as a top-50 destination for Best College Food in America. Scranton has also ranked as a top-10 Best Regional University in the North by U.S. News for 31 consecutive years.