California has once again demonstrated its strength in higher education, with four of its colleges securing spots within the top 20 of The Princeton Review's national ranking for the best classroom experience. Two of these institutions achieved top-10 status, highlighting the state's continued prominence in undergraduate education.
Thomas Aquinas College, a private Catholic liberal arts college located in Santa Paula, led the California contingent, earning the No. 5 national position. It was the sole institution from the Golden State to be ranked within the top five.
Following closely was Pomona College, which secured the No. 9 spot. This selective liberal arts college in Claremont is recognized as one of the nation's leading undergraduate institutions and was one of only nine colleges nationwide to reach the top 10 in this ranking.
Three of the four California schools featured in the ranking are part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Claremont McKenna College was ranked No. 14, and its neighbor, Harvey Mudd College, followed at No. 16.
California's representation of four colleges in the top 20 for classroom experience surpassed any other state on the list. The Princeton Review compiles its annual rankings based on student survey responses, evaluating factors such as teaching quality, classroom engagement, and the overall academic atmosphere to provide prospective students with insight into campuses where learning is prioritized.
Nationally, Washington and Lee University was ranked No. 1, followed by Wellesley College, Reed College, and Denison University. Other institutions rounding out the top 20 included St. Olaf College, Hillsdale College, Wabash College, Grinnell College, Hampden-Sydney College, the United States Military Academy at West Point, Davidson College, the University of Richmond, Bowdoin College, the College of the Holy Cross, Grove City College, and the College of the Ozarks.