HWS News
4 September 2025 Plurality of Perspectives
The Princeton Review ranks HWS #10 in the Nation for Race and Class Interaction.
The Princeton Review’s “Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition” published on Tuesday, Aug. 12, secures HWS as a leader in nine categories, including #10 for Lots of Race/Class Interaction. In total, the 50 rankings combine survey responses from some 170,000 students to questions about what students love most about their colleges.
In the survey, students were asked about campus life and how strongly they agree or disagree with the statement, "Different types of students (black/white, rich/poor) interact frequently and easily." Among HWS responses, one student called life here “a vibrant tapestry of diversity and dynamism...that makes our campus life so distinctive.”
HWS students characterize their peers as kind and engaged. One student describes feeling enriched from the relationships and appreciates “opportunities to have peers from all different groups...”
Survey responses also included a combination of perspectives: the campus provides “the opportunity to have real conversations and debates rather than being in a political echo chamber,” one student states. While celebrating a plurality of opinions, another survey respondent describes the student body as “liberal-arts-educated critical thinkers who understand their impact on the world and strive to leave it in a better place.”
“Students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging,” says Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chevanne DeVaney ’95, P’21, P’23. “Our different perspectives deepen our understanding, expand our knowledge and strengthen our community. They are foundational in preparing graduates to lead lives of consequence.”
DeVaney notes the many campus centers that support this important work, such as the Adams Intercultural Center, the Office for Spiritual Engagement and the Fisher Center. Additionally, Perspectives, an interactive learning platform, helps professors and students communicate across differences and the Stern Family Forum invites notable guests who bring nuance to difficult, sometimes controversial subjects.
At Hobart and William Smith, diversity in identity, faith traditions, political commitment and perspectives reinforce learning and prepare students to lead lives of consequence. A culture of belonging encourages open dialogue, deeper critical thinking and meaningful engagement with the world around us.
More information on these resources and more that connect students can be found here.
