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Agnes Scott Rises in U.S. News & World Report Rankings

Agnes Scott College is ranked No. 1 in the country among national liberal arts colleges on the Most Innovative Schools list in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 edition of “Best Colleges,” which was released this fall.

“We are incredibly excited to be named the No. 1 Most Innovative School. With its focus on global learning and leadership development, SUMMIT has redefined a liberal arts education, offering students a unique academic experience that sets them on the path of success in their careers and in the world,” says President Leocadia I. Zak. “SUMMIT has been truly transformative for Agnes Scott, and as we continue to rise in the rankings, we are proud to be recognized as one of the premier institutions in the country.”

The Most Innovative Schools ranking identifies “schools that the public should be watching because of the cutting-edge changes being made on their campuses.” It is based on a peer assessment survey in which college presidents, provosts and admissions deans nominate up to 15 colleges or universities “that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”

Julia King ’22 was immediately drawn to Agnes Scott’s SUMMIT curriculum, seeing it as the perfect way to prepare herself for the ever-changing world. “The biggest thing that helped me during my college search was finding schools that had programs that excited me; for me, that was SUMMIT,” she says. “In every part of my journey through SUMMIT, my education will be given thought and care. As a conscientious learner, I appreciate this concept.”

Agnes Scott was also ranked second nationally for Best Undergraduate Teaching, which recognizes institutions where faculty have a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

“The students are why we are here, and no one understands this more than Agnes Scott’s faculty, who are models of teaching excellence,” says Zak. “They care deeply about their work and are invested in their role of shaping tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers and game changers. Their passion, creativity and dedication foster the inspired and effective teaching happening in our classrooms.”

Agnes Scott climbed in the U.S. News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings, placing No. 51, ten spots higher than last year, while remaining among the top 25 Best Value Colleges. The college also ranked No. 1 among national liberal arts colleges that promote social mobility, improving its overall ranking by 10 places as one of the “strongest performers.”

Additionally, Agnes Scott is recognized as an outstanding example of all eight “Academic Programs to Look For,” which U.S. News believes lead to student success. These are: First Year Experience, Internships/Co-ops, Learning Communities, Senior Capstone, Service Learning, Study Abroad, Undergraduate Research/ Creative Projects and Writing in the Disciplines.

Li Qi, professor of economics, discusses economic development with students.