Cedar Crest College has been ranked among the Top Schools in America by the WSJ/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. This ranking, developed and executed in collaboration with College Pulse and Statista, rates the top 500 universities in the country. Cedar Crest was ranked #215 and notably scored high for Character Development, Salary Impact, Diversity, and Learning Facilites.
Weighted heavily in the rankings (70%) was a measure on student outcomes, which focused on graduate salaries, value versus net price, and graduation rates. Cedar Crest’s success in these areas is directly responsible for the school’s high ranking.
“Cedar Crest College’s ranking among the top 500 colleges confirms the exceptional value of a Cedar Crest education,” says President Elizabeth M. Meade, PhD. “Our two highest scores–for Character Development and Salary Impact–demonstrate the significance of our education on personal development, professional development, and the financial well-being of our students.”
Underscoring the College’s emphasis on student outcomes and graduation rates, the Crest to Career project provides personalized support to prepare students for their future careers throughout their undergraduate journeys. Through the support of Falcon Navigators, students create a unique Falcon Flight Plan, outlining their academic and careers goals along with steps to achieve them. This initiative, alongside a new “career curriculum,” is designed to enhance career readiness and increase student participation in internships and career-building opportunities, ensuring that students are well-equipped for success in their future careers.
At Cedar Crest, 98% of students receive scholarships, reinforcing the College’s commitment to making private education affordable and directly supporting the financial well-being of its students. Additionally, every student is guaranteed a work-study opportunity on campus, providing valuable experience while helping to offset educational costs.
Cedar Crest is dedicated to fostering a learning environment where students thrive academically and gain the skills and confidence to succeed long after graduation. As the College continues to evolve with the changing educational landscape, its mission remains clear: to empower students to make meaningful impact in their careers and communities.