A Royal Rise: Scranton Steps Onto National Stage in US News Rankings

By Cassidy Lowman '27, Student Correspondent

The University of Scranton community has always known its university was among the best, but a new classification and publication confirmed this campus pride.

The third Tuesday in September felt more like Christmas morning for those who gathered at Weiss Hall for an historic reveal. The grand lobby was brimming with Royals whose gleaming faces watched the activities and speeches from the lobby stairs and second-floor banister.

Student government vice president, Connor Farrington ’27, a business analytics and accounting double major from Washington, New Jersey, introduced Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president. Father Marina was met with booming applause from the students, faculty, staff and community members present for the reveal.

The anticipation behind the reveal was prompted by the University’s new classification as a National University in U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings. 

“And so now we get to play with the big fish: Harvard, Princeton, Duke, Georgetown, and all these famous global universities that we hold in such reverence and in such high esteem,” Father Marina said. “We are now within that group.” 

Along with announcing that the University is tied for No. 137 among over 420 peers, Father Marina unveiled four additional rankings: No. 47, graduate earnings; No. 71, best private colleges and universities; No. 73, earnings by major; No. 89, graduation rates.

As Father Marina spoke about the additional rankings, he gestured to a row of large placards propped up on displays. Marcus Smith ’27, an English and theater double major from Schuylkill Haven, who has always believed that Scranton belonged in the highest echelon of national colleges and universities, proudly flipped each placard as the achievement was announced.

“To receive those accolades means that we will hopefully be seen by more people across the world for the quality of education that we provide,” Smith said. “The faculty are very compassionate, caring about their students, and very engaged with what the students do. And I’m hoping that will be highlighted and remain important as we transition into this next phase of the University’s success.”

The transition is already underway. Earlier this year, Scranton shed its regional categorization when the Carnegie Classification system determined that Scranton now qualifies as a National University. This change comes after 32 years during which Scranton was a top 10 college in the North, according to U.S. News, which uses the Carnegie system when composing its annual lists. 

Purple and white balloons swayed during the reception as Iggy greeted community members with high-fives. Gracie, Father Marina’s “Royal Pup,” opted to lay down by Farrington and let everyone come to her by the refreshment table. On the table were cupcakes decorated with University flags and a cake shaped like the continental United States with a purple “S” in the middle — symbolizing the University’s advancement into the national category. 

As Farrington spoke with administrators, shook hands with professors and cracked jokes with peers, he said every member of the Scranton community has a reason to be proud of this achievement.

“It goes to show just how resilient, strong, and how great the University is. This is my fourth year, and I’ve been able to not only see myself grow, but also see the University grow,” Farrington said. “This is monumental and it speaks volumes to what happens here at the University that now is being recognized on the national level.”

As the lobby slowly emptied, Father Marina’s words left attendees walking back to their classrooms and offices with their heads a bit higher.

It’s a great to celebrate, he said, and a great day to be a Royal.

Cassidy Lowman ‘27, Dauphin, is a communications major with a political science minor at Scranton.