ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), the National Public Honors College, saw significant gains in the 2025 “Best Value Colleges” list released by The Princeton Review this week. The college earned a spot at No. 45 on the “Top 50 Best Value Colleges” among public schools and rose to No. 2 on the “Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact” among public colleges, up two places from its 2024 ranking.
The Princeton Review selected 209 schools for its 2025 “Best Value Colleges” list, drawing on data from surveys of administrators at over 650 colleges in 2024-2025. The criteria included academics, costs, financial aid, graduation rates, and student debt. The “Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact” list, where SMCM excelled, was based on student survey responses about community service opportunities, student government, sustainability efforts, and on-campus engagement. The company also incorporated data from PayScale.com on alumni starting and mid-career salaries and job satisfaction, analyzing over 40 data points to calculate return-on-investment ratings.
“It’s no surprise to me that SMCM is ranked so highly for Making an Impact. You really feel it here—whether it’s through student leadership, activism, or just the tight-knit community, everyone has a chance to contribute in a real way,” said Jaedon Aso, a senior art major and student-athlete from Great Mills, Maryland. “Being recognized as a Best Value College too just proves that you can get a top-tier, meaningful education without the massive price tag. I’m proud to be part of a school that lives up to those values.”
SMCM was one of only two Maryland public colleges to appear on either the “Top 50 Best Value Colleges” or “Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact” lists. “These rankings solidify something that everyone who steps on campus can feel: St. Mary’s is a special place that goes above and beyond the expected higher education experience,” said Sierra Brown, a junior double-majoring in English and psychology from Catonsville, Maryland. “My experiences on campus have shaped my identity as a student, but more importantly as a person, and I hope these rankings will inform and attract others to the unique opportunities provided by St. Mary’s College of Maryland.”
The college’s performance extends beyond The Princeton Review. SMCM ranks No. 5 among national public liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s “2025 Best Colleges” list. In The Princeton Review’s separate Guide to Green Schools, SMCM placed No. 14 nationally on the “Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation” list. Niche recognized SMCM on its “Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America” list, naming it No. 1 for “Best College Food in Maryland” and No. 2 for “Best Small Colleges in Maryland.” Additional details on SMCM’s rankings are available on the college’s website.
The Princeton Review’s methodology emphasizes measurable outcomes, such as alumni career success and affordability, alongside student experiences. SMCM’s strong showing in the “Making an Impact” category reflects its commitment to fostering student leadership and community involvement. The college’s liberal arts curriculum, small class sizes, and emphasis on experiential learning contribute to its value proposition, offering students a personalized education at a public institution price point.
SMCM’s campus, located along the St. Mary’s River, supports its sustainability initiatives, which include eco-friendly facilities and student-led conservation projects. These efforts align with the values highlighted in the “Green Matters” ranking and the “Making an Impact” list. The college’s student government and numerous service programs provide platforms for students to engage in civic activities, further boosting its reputation for impact.
As one of Maryland’s two public honors colleges, SMCM stands out for balancing academic rigor with accessibility. Its inclusion among the top 50 public value colleges underscores its ability to deliver high-quality education with manageable costs. The 2025 rankings build on SMCM’s consistent recognition in national lists, reinforcing its role as a leader in public liberal arts education.
