Saint Martin’s University honored as one of the best colleges in the west 

Saint Martin’s University in Lacey was recognized as one of the best educational institutions in the west, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

The report named Saint Martin’s as 20th in Best Value Schools, 30th in Best Colleges for Veterans, 53rd in Top Performers on Social Mobility and 56th in Regional Universities West. 

“These rankings affirm what we hear from our students and alumni every day: Saint Martin’s delivers a transformative education rooted in our Benedictine values,” said Saint Martin's University President Bill Brownsberger in a statement.

As the No. 20 in Best Value Schools among regional universities in the west, the university exhibits recognizable academic quality in relation to the cost of attendance.  

“This recognition highlights Saint Martin’s dedication to providing an exceptional education at an affordable price, while ensuring that students receive the financial support they need to complete their degrees,” said the university in an announcement about the rankings.

The university was tied as No. 30 in Best Colleges for Veterans among regional universities in the west, recognizing its commitment to military-affiliated students.  

The award recognized the university’s tailored resources for 25% of students who are veterans, active duty service members or dependents.  

Saint Martin’s was also awarded the No. 53 rank in Top Performers on Social Mobility, a category measuring how well schools enroll and graduate students under federal Pell Grants.  

“With 35% of Saint Martin’s students receiving Pell Grants and 39% the first in their families to attend college, this recognition highlights the (university’s) role in advancing opportunity and social mobility for students from low-income households,” said the university in the announcement.

In addition, Saint Martin’s was tied at No. 56 for Regional Universities in the West, a category that examines institutions offering undergraduate and master’s programs. The university was compared to 118 other institutions.