St. Lawrence Ranked as One of the Nation’s Most Economically Diverse Colleges by The New York Times

St. Lawrence is ranked 100 out of 286 public and private institutions. It also is the sixth most economically diverse liberal arts college in New York State and the 20th among national liberal arts colleges. 

To compile its 2023 list, The New York Times measured economic diversity by analyzing the share of students receiving Pell Grants, which are typically awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.  

Twenty-two percent of incoming first-years at St. Lawrence received Pell Grants in 2021, which is 3% higher than 2011 and higher than the national average of 21%, according to The New York Times.  

“This recognition in particular is important to us because it recognizes ongoing efforts to make the St. Lawrence experience accessible to every qualified student, regardless of their background,” says Florence Hines, vice president for enrollment management and dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. “This continues to be a priority for my office and for partners across campus who strive to make St. Lawrence a welcoming home where all our students can pursue their passions and prepare to make a positive impact on the world.” 

In 2023, Hines and her team introduced the St. Lawrence Promise Program, which includes a personalized financial aid package that fully meets a family's demonstrated need for all four years as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  

 The Promise Program enables academically talented, Pell-eligible students to enroll and complete a college degree in four years, including participation in a study abroad program if they choose.  

Recent Rankings and Recognitions 

In addition to this latest recognition in The New York Times, St. Lawrence University has also received praise from U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Money Magazine.  

In U.S. News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” guide, St. Lawrence ranks 59 among over 200 national liberal arts colleges included in the publication, placing the University in the top 30% of its peer group. 

 The University was also named a “Best Value College” by U.S. News. Its psychology program ranks 203 out of 541 total programs, putting it among the top 40% of programs in the nation, while St. Lawrence’s economics program also ranks among the nation’s top 300.   

In its “Best 389 Colleges” list for 2024, The Princeton Review ranked the University in the following categories:   

• No. 7, “Most Active Student Government”  

• No. 6, “Best Science Lab Facilities”   

• No. 16, “Best-Run Colleges”  

• No. 4, “Most Accessible Professors”   

• No. 24, “Friendliest Students.”   

The publication recognized its “strong sense of community” and “dedication to academics.” 

The University was also named yet again to The Princeton Review’s list of the nation’s 209 “Best Value Colleges” for 2023:  

• No. 4, “Top 20 Best Private School Alumni Networks”  

• No. 19, “Best Schools for Making an Impact”  

• No. 10, “Top 20 Best Private Schools for Internships”   

In 2022, Money Magazine named St. Lawrence one of the nation’s top 50 best-value liberal arts colleges based on an evaluation of outcomes, affordability, and quality of education. In 2023, St. Lawrence made its list of “Best Colleges in America,” earning a 4.5 rating out of 5 total stars. Money Magazine specifically noted that “St. Lawrence is small but mighty,” highlighting its graduation rate, innovative new majors, and proximity to outdoor adventures.