Wesleyan College Earns Three U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges Distinctions
MACON, GA — Wesleyan College has, once again, been ranked among the top five Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report, earning three distinctions in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
The 2027 rankings recognize Wesleyan as:
For the second consecutive year, Wesleyan maintained its #5 overall ranking among Regional Colleges in the South and, for the first time, earned a #4 ranking among private regional colleges. The College was also recognized for social mobility.
The national recognition comes during a period of significant momentum for the nearly 190-year-old College. Wesleyan recently welcomed its largest incoming class in 15 years, with its first-time, full-time cohort growing by more than 80% year over year. At the same time, the College raised a record $23.56 million during fiscal year 2026, the highest single-year fundraising total in Wesleyan history.
More students are choosing Wesleyan, and more people are investing in them. Wesleyan is putting that growth and support to work by expanding the opportunities students have to apply what they learn, develop as leaders and build meaningful experience before graduation.
“Expanding access has been part of Wesleyan’s purpose for nearly two centuries, and social mobility is one way we see that mission at work today,” said Wesleyan College President Meaghan Blight. “First-generation college students make up 63% of the Class of 2030. By continuing to expand scholarships and financial aid, we are working to reduce financial barriers so more students can pursue a Wesleyan education and the opportunities that come with it.”
That commitment to access is paired with an increasingly career-connected student experience. Every Wesleyan student has the opportunity to put classroom learning into practice through a paid internship, research opportunity, or study abroad experience. In fact, students can begin developing their professional and leadership skills as early as their first year through programs such as the CEO Leadership Institute. At the same time, Wesleyan’s Leadership Lab connects students with businesses and community leaders throughout Middle Georgia. Together, these opportunities help Wesleyan graduates enter the workforce with proven experience and the skills needed to stand out - all while demonstrating to employers the caliber of talent being developed right here at Wesleyan.
The U.S. News recognition follows another vote of confidence closer to home. This summer, Wesleyan was voted Best College/University in Middle Georgia for the fourth consecutive year in The Telegraph’s Best of Middle Georgia awards, a competition that drew more than 413,000 votes across categories.
Together, the regional and national recognitions come as Wesleyan continues making significant investments in the student experience.
Through the SHE WILL Campaign, the College has raised more than $56 million toward its $61 million goal to support scholarships and student opportunities, academic and leadership experiences, campus improvements and Wesleyan’s long-term financial strength.
Wesleyan is also seeing significant growth in athletics. Following its transition to NAIA competition and the introduction of athletic scholarships, student-athlete enrollment increased 121% in just one year. The College also expanded its athletic offerings for 2026–2027 with competition cheerleading, flag football, hockey and wrestling, with rugby set to begin competition in 2027–2028.
Meanwhile, the $9 million transformation of historic Porter Gymnasium will create a centralized home for student-athletes to study, train and compete while expanding recreation, wellness and gathering spaces for the broader campus community.
“For nearly 190 years, Wesleyan has been willing to imagine what is possible for women and then create the opportunities to make it happen,” Blight said. “That remains at the center of where we are headed. We are growing, but we are also being very intentional about what that growth means for our students and the experience they receive here.”
Founded in December 1836 as the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women, Wesleyan approaches its 190th anniversary with its founding mission as relevant today as it was nearly two centuries ago: accelerating equality for women.
