The results are in from The Wall Street Journal’s ranking of America’s Best Colleges 2026 and Slippery Rock University is among the nation’s best. SRU earned the following ranking:
#375 for Best America’s Colleges.
SRU ranked higher than several schools in its region, including Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Compiled by The Wall Street Journal and College Pulse — an online survey and analytics platform dedicated to gathering reliable data on the opinions of college students — the ranking is based upon three critical areas: student outcomes, survey results and diversity. The rankings emphasize how well colleges prepare students for financial success.
Student outcomes are informed by criteria such as graduate salaries, graduation rates and how quickly an education at the college pays for itself based upon the graduate salary. Survey results reflect the views of students and recent alumni. They encompass opinions on learning opportunities, career preparation and learning facilities, and whether they would recommend their institution. Diversity is informed by student and faculty. Ethnic diversity as well as the inclusion of student from lower-income families and those with disabilities.
The list included institutions from all across the country at different price points and levels of name recognition.
A total of 584 schools made the list, validating SRU’s reputation of excellence, inclusivity and accessibility and putting the University in the top 70% of U.S. colleges and universities.
More information about the rankings is available on the Wall Street Journal website.