Hood College Earns Top U.S. News Rankings for Undergraduate Teaching, Value, Student Success

Sep 22, 2026

By Mason Cavalier

A close-up of Alumnae Hall's ionic columns representing Hope, Opportunity, Obligation and Democracy

Hood College has earned several top rankings in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including a No. 7 ranking for Undergraduate Teaching among regional universities in the North.

Hood also ranked No. 32 for Best Value, No. 50 among Top Private Colleges, No. 50 for Top Performers on Social Mobility and No. 25 among Best Colleges for Veterans in the Regional Universities North category. Overall, Hood ranked No. 68 among Regional Universities North.

The rankings highlight several areas central to the Hood experience, including the quality of undergraduate instruction, affordability and the College’s commitment to student success.

Hood’s No. 7 ranking for Undergraduate Teaching places the College among the highest-ranked regional universities in the North for this category. The recognition reflects Hood’s emphasis on close faculty-student relationships, small class sizes and engaged learning experiences.

The College’s No. 32 ranking for Best Value also underscores Hood’s commitment to providing students with an education that combines academic opportunity with financial support. Hood reports that 100% of its undergraduate students receive scholarships, and the College has a longstanding focus on making a private college education accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Hood’s No. 50 ranking among Top Private Colleges and No. 50 ranking for Top Performers on Social Mobility further recognize the College’s role in providing educational opportunities and pathways for students to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Hood also ranked No. 25 among Best Colleges for Veterans, recognizing the College’s support for veteran and military-connected students.

The latest recognition builds on Hood’s longstanding presence in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The College has been included in the publication’s rankings more than 20 times and has consistently received recognition for undergraduate teaching and value.