main news Agnes Scott Recognized Nationally for Innovation and First-Year Experiences

Agnes Scott College—long known for its time-honored traditions—extended another tradition in 2024, once again earning recognition from U.S. News & World Report in its annual ranking of the nation’s best colleges and universities.

In addition to being named the No. 1 Most Innovative college in the nation for the seventh consecutive year, Agnes Scott was ranked No. 3 for First-Year Experiences. The college was also named No. 3 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, No. 4 for Social Mobility, No. 6 for Study Abroad, No. 6 for Learning Communities, No. 14 for Internships and No. 28 for Best Value Schools.

The First-Year Experiences ranking reflects the impact of the SUMMIT curriculum, which provides incoming students with high-impact practices such as Global Journeys, a course that builds intercultural competencies and develops essential leadership skills through an eightday faculty-led trip.

“The first-year experience is an essential building block for a student’s academic, personal and professional success,” says Leocadia I. Zak, president of Agnes Scott. “Our innovative curriculum combined with real-world experiences prepares our students to claim their place as leaders in our communities, workplaces and world.”

The college’s ranking for Social Mobility, meanwhile, is the result of its success in graduating socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

“Agnes Scott College takes a holistic approach to the student experience,” Zak says. “We combine an outstanding academic experience, appreciation for culture and diversity, internship and study abroad opportunities, and an outstanding alumnae network to support student success. Innovation, academic excellence and the student experience are always at the forefront of what we do.”