Frostburg State University Recognized by Washington Monthly for Value and Service to Rural America
Sep 3, 2026 9:00 AM
Frostburg State University has been recognized by Washington Monthly in its 2026 College Guide and Rankings for the value it provides to students and its impact on rural communities.
FSU ranked No. 108 among colleges in the Northeast in the publication’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars rankings and No. 69 nationally in the inaugural Best Colleges for Rural America rankings, making it the only Maryland institution to place among the top 100 in the rural category.
According to Washington Monthly, its annual rankings evaluate institutions based on their contributions to the public good rather than measures of institutional wealth, exclusivity and prestige. The Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars rankings examine how well colleges serve middle- and working-class students by providing access and affordability, supporting graduation and preparing graduates for successful careers, while also considering civic engagement and service.
“Frostburg State University is committed to providing students with an affordable, high-quality education and the opportunities they need to build meaningful careers after graduation,” said FSU President Shadow JQ Robinson, PhD. “These rankings speak directly to who we are and why we exist. As a university located in Appalachia, we understand the important role higher education plays in strengthening rural communities.” Robinson continued, “When we help students earn a degree, we are also investing in families, employers and communities across our region. This recognition reflects the important work of our faculty and staff to support student success, expand opportunity and help build a stronger future for Appalachia.”
The publication’s new Best Colleges for Rural America ranking is the first to specifically assess institutions based on their service to rural students and communities. The ranking recognizes colleges and universities for their contributions to the economic and civic life of rural regions.
Washington Monthly’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars rankings consider factors including colleges’ ability to enroll and support students of modest means, graduate students without excessive debt and prepare them for careers with strong earnings. The rankings also recognize institutions that encourage civic participation and service.
The inaugural Best Colleges for Rural America rankings recognize institutions that serve rural students and communities and contribute to the economic and civic vitality of rural regions.
For more information about the 2026 Washington Monthly rankings, visit the publication’s Best Colleges for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars and Best Colleges for Rural America rankings.