The University of Mary Washington has been recognized as one of the nation’s best colleges for students seeking a great education with excellent career services at an affordable price, according to The Princeton Review. The educational services company named UMW to its list of Best Value Colleges for 2025, making it one of just five public universities in Virginia to earn this distinction.

UMW also received specialized rankings in two categories for public schools: #11 Top 20 Best Schools for Making an Impact and #18 Top 20 Best Schools for Internships. These rankings are based on student survey responses regarding factors such as community service opportunities, student government, sustainability efforts, on-campus student engagement and accessibility of internship placement.

Mary Washington joins an elite group of 209 outstanding institutions selected from more than 650 colleges and universities surveyed for the 2025 list. The Princeton Review chose schools that earned the highest return on investment ratings based on analysis of more than 40 data points covering academics, affordability and strong career prospects for graduates.

“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s best value colleges,” said Provost Tim O’Donnell. “These lists highlight some of the hallmarks of a Mary Washington education, as we focus on an exceptional educational experience, connect students with meaningful practices through internships and community engagement, and prepare them for the careers ahead.” Read more.

The University of Mary Washington is a premier, selective public liberal arts and sciences university in Virginia, highly respected for its commitment to academic excellence, strong undergraduate liberal arts and sciences program, and dedication to life-long learning. The university, with a total enrollment of about 4,000, features colleges of business, education and arts and sciences, and three campuses, including a residential campus in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a second one in nearby Stafford and a third in Dahlgren, Virginia, which serves as a center of development ofneducational and research partnerships between the Navy, higher education institutions and the region’s employers.