Each year, prospective students turn to The Princeton Review’s Best 389 Colleges for information about top schools. In its 2024 edition, The Princeton Review recognized the University of Richmond for multiple top 10 categories — including No. 3 rankings for Best Classroom Experience and Best-Run College — and named UR the No. 1 Most Beautiful Campus.

The guide also recognized the University at No. 5 for Most Accessible Professors — something that does not surprise new provost Joan Saab.

“I have only been here for six weeks, but already I can see a strong collaboration between our staff and faculty,” said Saab, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This connective thread helps to make the Richmond experience so special. This includes faculty who care about mentoring — within and outside the classroom. This inclusive pedagogy stresses research across the disciplines as well as the importance of belonging and well-being.”

The University is frequently recognized for its surroundings, and this year was recognized as the No. 1 Most Beautiful Campus in the U.S. The campus is distinguished by its Gothic Revival buildings. Originally designed by noted landscape architect Charles Gillette, the campus’s 378 rolling acres today include formal flowerbeds, woodland trails, and the centerpiece 13-acre Westhampton Lake.

“The landscape team gives the first impression of the University to all visitors on campus, and we take that responsibility seriously," said Allison Moyer, associate director, landscape services and horticulturalist. “Keeping this landscape in tip-top shape would not be possible without our awesome team that puts their heart and soul into this campus every day to keep it looking the best it can be. Our intent is to create a campus landscape that invites collaboration and learning.”

Despite its size, the University competes on the big stage with Division 1 athletic teams. The guide recognizes the Spiders for having the No. 7 Best Athletic Facilities in the country. One highlight is the 8,700-seat Robins Stadium, which hosts the University’s football, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and track and field teams. The stadium received new club level seating this summer.

“Richmond Athletics takes great pride in providing our Spiders with the very best infrastructure and support to train, practice, and play,” said John Hardt, vice president and director of athletics. “Our top-level athletic facilities are an essential component of one of the best student-athlete experiences in Division I and would not be possible without our partnership with the greater University and the continued support of loyal Spiders everywhere.” 

Other top 10 recognitions for the University in the guide include No. 7 Best Science Lab Facilities, No. 9 Best Quality of Life, No. 10 Everyone Plays Intramural Sports, and No. 10 Happiest Students.

Earlier this year, the University of Richmond was named to The Princeton Review’s list of the Best Value Colleges for 2023 and ranked No. 3 among private schools on the Best Schools for Internships list. UR was also ranked as a Top 50 Green College.