Goucher College rises in rankings and gains new accolades from US News & World Report

Once again, Goucher College has been recognized as one of the leading liberal arts colleges in the nation, as well as one of the most innovative schools. This year, the college jumped five spots to be ranked as the #111 National Liberal Arts College and moved up one to #11 Most Innovative – National Liberal Arts College. In addition to these accolades, Goucher was also ranked #72 as a 2020 Top Performers on Social Mobility and #5 Study Abroad – 2020 Academic Programs to Look For by the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges report.

“I am extremely proud to lead such a highly regarded institution with its amazing history of innovation,” said Kent Devereaux, president of Goucher College. “Goucher continues to build on this history to provide an education today that’s deeply rooted in the liberal arts, focused on social justice, and committed to international education playing a part in every Goucher students’ education.” 

This semester, Goucher launched two new majors—integrative data analytics and professional & creative writing—and is investing in launching five more new programs next fall. Goucher’s core curriculum focuses on writing, data analytics, solving complex problems, study abroad, and, through the Goucher Advantage, career education. Additionally, in 2018 Goucher opened two new residence halls to complete the First-Year Village and celebrated the debut of the Mary Fisher Dining Center.

Goucher also offers a range of student support services. The Phoenix Rising pre-orientation assists first-generation students and students with high financial need adjust to both the academic and social aspects of attending a residential liberal-arts campus. Pre-major academic advisors are also dedicated to providing first-year students with academic advising, connecting students with Goucher resources, and helping students on their college journey.

“Providing greater access and equity in higher education is of huge importance to us,” said Devereaux. “To be recognized for our collective efforts to support students successfully and offer a transformational education is tremendously rewarding and remains our focus.”

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings compare bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 15 indicators of academic quality. These criteria include outcomes—graduation and retention, graduation rate performance, and social mobility—faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, student excellence, and alumni giving.