Gettysburg College received high marks throughout 2012 by several news organizations, higher education groups and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The College was scored on everything from academic quality and alumni outcomes, to the overall undergraduate experience.

The 2012 rankings serve as another example of the College’s excellent academic reputation among top institutions in the nation.

Here's how we did…



The Princeton Review Gettysburg was once again named as a top institution of higher education in The Princeton Review’s 2012 edition of The Best 373 Colleges. Gettysburg, selected as one of the “Best Colleges in the Northeast,” competed against hundreds of other colleges and universities for the honor. The rankings, based on student surveys, primarily showcase institutions with excellent academic programs.

The College also earned recognition as a “Best Value” among private institutions, based on cost and financial aid.

U.S. News & World Report One of the frontrunners in the realm of rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Gettysburg in the top 50 for national liberal arts colleges at No. 46 this year. To be included in this category, liberal arts colleges must emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the arts or sciences.

Chronicle of Higher Education Gettysburg was named by the Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Honor Roll” list as one of the top 30 colleges or universities around the country for having the happiest employees. The College earned stellar marks in 10 of the 12 ranking categories, including confidence in senior leadership, job satisfaction, and teaching environment.

Forbes.com Forbes' list of public and private colleges and universities ranked the best schools from the students' point of view. Their list of more than 600 undergraduate institutions is based on the quality of the education they provide, the student experience, and outcomes. The colleges and universities in the ranking count among the best in the country. Gettysburg ranked No. 119 on the list.

Payscale.com A return on investment (ROI) calculation tells you what you get back for what you’ve spent, and it's how Payscale.com recognizes the value of education at colleges and universities in its annual ranking. With the average cost for college rising, PayScale.com evaluated what academic institutions will return the biggest dividends for students after graduation. Gettysburg ranked No. 170 in the nation, ahead of nearly 1,100 other institutions of higher education for an overall ROI.



TheDailyMeal.com Gettysburg was recognized as one of the “52 Best Colleges for Food in America” by TheDailyMeal.com. The ranking was compiled from dining service awards, respected college lists, news stories, and interviews. The College’s dining program outperformed more than 2,000 four-year colleges and universities for the honor.

For the eighth time since 1997, the Gettysburg College Dining Services also earned a national top 20 ranking for “Best Campus Food” from The Princeton Review.

The Alumni Factor The Alumni Factor’s “Top 177 Schools” ranked Gettysburg No. 50 based on how well graduates fare after finishing college. Gettysburg also earned distinction as No. 23 among liberal arts colleges. The ranking calculates several factors, including financial metrics, career success, job placement, friendship, and intellectual development.


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging The Campus Kitchen at Gettysburg earned the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nutrition for Older Pennsylvanians. The College was honored for the dedication and innovation it displayed by offering expanded nutrition services to older adults in the community through off-campus dinners and delivery visits.

Since the publication of this article, Gettysburg College ranked No. 51 by Kiplinger as a “Best Value” among private colleges. The College also was included on The Daily Caller’s list of “Thirteen surprisingly hot undergraduate schools.”

Review highlighted Gettysburg College rankings from 2011-12. Read about the College's No. 8 ranking by the Institute of International Education for mid-length (one semester) duration of study abroad among baccalaureate leading institutions.

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition that includes Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate and other distinguished scholars among its alumni. The college enrolls 2,600 undergraduate students and is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Mike Baker, assistant director of communications, 717.337.6521.