Knox College is moving up in major national college rankings. In the US News & World Report rankings of national liberal arts colleges, released on September 8, Knox is ranked 72 among more than 230 schools.

Earlier the month, Knox was recognized by two additional national magazines, Washington Monthly and Sierra Club. Knox is ranked 11 in the nation in Washington Monthly magazine's rankings of the best liberal arts colleges for service to the country and their communities, published in September. Knox received a rank of 112 this year in the Sierra Club's rankings of the top "Cool Schools," also published in September.

The Washington Monthly's rankings reflect high scores for Knox in several service-oriented criteria. Knox has especially high rankings in two key areas -- third nationally in the proportion of alumni who join the Peace Corps, and fourth in the nation in the proportion of student work-study funding dedicated to service projects in the community.

The Sierra Club "Cool School" survey is based on Knox's increased commitment to the use of renewable energy, reduced food waste, and expanded co-curricular programs that focus on sustainability.

US News also named Knox as one of the top "Best Value" liberal arts colleges -- 28 in the nation in the category of "Great Schools at Great Prices" -- based on both academic quality and value. Other Best Value schools include Amherst, Williams, Pomona, Grinnell, Swarthmore and Macalester colleges. The magazine also lists Knox as one of the nation's most international liberal arts colleges.

In the US News rankings, Knox's position in the top 100 liberal arts colleges is based on a high graduation rate -- 88% -- and strong academic credentials of the entering class -- 31% in the top 10% of their high school class.

"The recognitions show that Knox is among the very best colleges in the nation at making a top-notch liberal arts education accessible for students from all financial backgrounds," said Paul Steenis, vice president for enrollment. "Each ranking and guidebook has its own focus, and they showcase Knox's strengths in areas ranging from academics and commitment to service, to environmental sustainability.

"We also encourage students to include their own experiences in their college search process," Steenis said. "They can visit the Knox campus, and they can engage in person and online with current students and faculty, to determine how Knox can help them achieve their dreams and goals for their education and their career."