Rollins Among Nation’s Best for Student Experience

Rollins has been named one of the top 400 colleges in the nation and ranked No. 33 for best student experience in the WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking. This prestigious list is presented by The Wall Street Journal, College Pulse, and Statista, the leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

The rankings evaluate 584 accredited undergraduate institutions by the strongest combination of academic excellence, student support, and long-term value. The 2026 rankings assess colleges based on student outcomes, learning environment, and diversity, placing the greatest emphasis on factors such as graduation rates, salary impact, and the time it takes graduates to pay off their education.

Rollins’ standout placement for best student experience, ranking No. 33 out of 584 colleges nationwide, underscores the College’s strong sense of community, vibrant campus life, exceptional facilities, and unwavering commitment to health, well-being, and the free exchange of ideas.

The student experience ranking—based on student satisfaction with community life, emotional and mental-health support, campus safety, and diversity—reflects Rollins’ dedication to giving our students the care and support they need to thrive in college and beyond. From juggling academics to maintaining mental health, Rollins offers a vast array of supportive programs and resources that target the many layers of a college education.

“We’re really trying to listen to our students, to the things they’re finding overwhelming or challenging, and implement whatever we can to make living and learning a little easier,” says Layne Porta, director of Rollins’ Tutoring and Writing Center.

For students like Abrielle “Elle” Mannino ’25, Rollins’ focus on mentorship and meaningful engagement has been transformative. A double major in philosophy and public policy and political economy, Mannino is now at Oxford for a one-year master’s program before heading to Brown University to begin her PhD in climate science.

“My Rollins experience played a pivotal role in my development,” she says. “The relationships I made have encouraged me to explore diverse perspectives and are fueling my aspiration to contribute meaningfully through a career in public policy.”

Rollins’ continued recognition in the area of student experience highlights the College’s focus on delivering a transformative liberal arts education that fosters both professional success and personal growth.