St. Scholastica named to TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges list

The College of St. Scholastica has been named to TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges ranking for 2026-27. Developed with data firm Statista, the list evaluated more than 500 U.S. colleges and universities based on the outcomes they deliver for students. The ranking relies entirely on federal data sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.

Rather than emphasizing selectivity or reputation, TIME’s methodology measures the difference a college makes in students’ lives, including whether graduates earn more and complete their degrees at higher rates than students with similar backgrounds nationwide. The ranking rewards institutions for the value they add, not simply the students they enroll. Student outcomes — including earnings, graduation rates and return on education — account for the largest share of an institution’s score, while factors tied to learning environment and attractiveness make up the remainder.

St. Scholastica is one of 15 Minnesota colleges and universities included on the list and performed especially well among its state peers. The College earned a stronger student outcomes score than several institutions that ranked higher overall.

“Inclusion in this list matters because the analysis and study by TIME and Statista essentially asked the most important question: What does a college experience actually add to the life of a student?” said Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Ryan Sandefer. “At St. Scholastica, answering this question lies at the heart of our mission. We meet students where they are, surround them with a community that knows and believes in them, and prepare them for meaningful careers, purposeful lives, and opportunities that can transform the future of an entire family. St. Scholastica may seem like a hidden gem in Duluth, St. Cloud, or the online education space, but the impact of a Saints education is anything but small. It extends far beyond a diploma or a first job: expanding what students believe is possible, strengthening the communities they serve, and creating change that can endure for generations.”

This recognition affirms what the College’s own outcomes data has shown for years: Within six months of graduation, 96% of our graduates are employed, pursuing continuing education, in the military, or volunteering.* Saints also have the top early post-graduate earnings among Minnesota’s public and private colleges, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, with $11,212 more than the median earnings of graduates of all Minnesota four-year colleges, public or private, one year after graduation.

“TIME’S ranking is a tangible outcome of the hard work and persistence of our students, faculty, and staff,” said President Brenda Kelly. “This external affirmation provides us with a point of leverage as we start this new academic year and serves as a reminder of our mission and purpose: to provide moral and intellectual preparation toward responsible living and meaningful work.”

As Saints students return to campus or prepare for online learning, faculty and staff are energized by the start of the 2026-27 academic year. St. Scholastica’s inclusion among the nation’s best colleges adds to that excitement, telling the broader story of our College, which continues to deliver strong results. As a new generation of Saints begins their educational journey, that work continues, bringing the College’s mission to life through the experiences, accomplishments, and future of its students.

Discover the experiences and successes of St. Scholastica programs and students. Explore our rankings, graduation rates, and other outcomes to get a clear picture of the education St. Scholastica provides

* 554 total graduates → 337 responded → approximately 324 of those respondents reported being employed, continuing their education, serving in the military, or volunteering within six months.