Westmont Soars in Latest National Rankings
Westmont College continues its rise among the nation’s premier institutions, climbing six spots to No. 109 (tied) among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. For more than two decades, Westmont has maintained its standing as the No. 1 Christian liberal arts college in California and the Western U.S. while remaining one of the top two nationally ranked members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
Westmont achieved substantial gains in several key categories in the U.S. News evaluation. The college surged 35 spots in Top Performers on Social Mobility to No. 151 (tied), while advancing 27% in Pell Grant graduation performance rank and 24% in the overall Pell Grant graduation rate.
U.S. News also recognized Westmont’s academic excellence, ranking the college No. 163 (tied) for Undergraduate Engineering Programs (non-doctorate) and No. 201 (tied) for Undergraduate Economics Programs. Additionally, Westmont demonstrated strong gains in graduate earning power, improving 18% in career value metrics, while advancing 16% in faculty salary and 14% in student-to-faculty ratio.
Additionally, Lori Ann Banez, who directs Westmont’s Career Resource Center, reports that more than 93% of the college’s graduates from the class of 2025 have either found employment or attend graduate school.
Money
Westmont College has been recognized as one of Money’s Best Colleges in America 2026! Money's analysis showcases the country's top 732 colleges based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News and World Report’s in the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, Westmont College is ranked No. 109 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. It's also ranked No. 103 in Top Private Schools, No. 163 (tied) for Undergraduate Engineering Programs (non-doctorate) and No. 201 (tied) for Undergraduate Economics Programs.
Forbes
Further national accolades in multiple major college guides reinforce Westmont’s academic quality and return on investment. Forbes’ America’s Top Colleges includes Westmont among the 500 institutions “that shine,” spotlighting schools that produce high-earning, influential graduates with lower student debt. Forbes ranks Westmont No. 8 for Small Colleges in California, the top Christian college in that category, as well as No. 8 for highest median 20-year salary ($104,096) and No. 9 for average grant aid ($38,956) among small colleges in California.
Niche
Westmont soared in Niche’s 2027 Best Colleges Rankings, which evaluates four-year colleges from measurable data and student reviews. Westmont jumped up 40% in the overall Best Colleges in America rankings, putting it in the top third of all colleges and universities nationwide. It also increased 56% in the Best Christian Colleges in America. Westmont remains in the top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges in California, jumping up to No. 7.
Fiske Guide to Colleges
The exclusive Fiske Guide to Colleges has included Westmont for the ninth consecutive year in its 2027 edition, delivering an insider look at the country’s “best and most interesting" four-year institutions.
College Raptor
College Raptor selected Westmont as a Best College in the United States for 2027 and named the college to its Top 25 Best D2 Colleges list. The platform highlights Westmont’s graduation rates, campus diversity, endowment per student and selectivity.
Classic Excellence. National Impact.
Westmont has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart. This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes.
| 
| 
|
The 2026-2027 Business College of Distinction is awarded to Westmont’s undergraduate business program, which balances classroom theory with real-world application, preparing graduates to lead with confidence, integrity and agility. | 
The 2026-2027 Career Development badge is given to Westmont for its exceptional commitment to preparing students for lifelong career success. Westmont has demonstrated a clear dedication to helping students translate their college experience into meaningful careers. | 
The 2026-2027 Education College of Distinction award recognizes Westmont’s proven ability to graduate confident, compassionate and classroom-ready teachers. | 
The 2026-2027 badge of distinction for excellence in Engineering reflects Westmont’s dedication to preparing future engineers through a robust combination of theoretical foundations, hands-on experiences, and multidisciplinary collaboration. |