Bucknell University has been named the top liberal arts college in the nation and ranked 21st overall among the "50 Top Colleges in the U.S." in LinkedIn's first-ever ranking of schools that best set graduates up for long-term career success.

The new ranking, released today by LinkedIn, is based on exclusive career outcome data from the professional networking platform, including alumni job placement rates, advancement into senior-level positions, the prevalence of internships during college and entrepreneurial activity following graduation.

LinkedIn's Top Colleges list identifies the institutions whose graduates are thriving in the workforce years after earning their degrees. Bucknell stands out as one of the nation's leaders in preparing students for sustained success, placing in the top five nationally for job placement.

"This recognition from LinkedIn affirms what our students, alumni and employers already know — that a Bucknell education provides both the depth of knowledge and the practical skills needed to excel over a lifetime," says President John C. Bravman. "Our graduates leave Bucknell ready to make an impact from day one and to grow into leaders."

According to LinkedIn, Bucknell alumni are most commonly employed in the technology and internet, financial services and legal services industries, and their top employment destinations include New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston. They possess in-demand skills in fields such as materials science, computer programming and environmental science, reflecting the University's broad academic strengths.

Bucknell's residential model of liberal arts education fosters close faculty mentorship, hands-on research opportunities and robust career development support. These elements, combined with a global network of more than 57,000 highly engaged alumni, contribute to strong early- and mid-career outcomes for graduates.

Bucknell's most recent post-graduate survey reported that 93% of the Class of 2024 secured career opportunities within nine months of graduation, earning an average starting salary of $73,075.

LinkedIn's methodology is rooted in the professional achievements of alumni. The platform evaluated millions of member profiles to determine which schools most effectively helped students secure jobs, climb career ladders and start businesses.

Bucknell continues to invest in programs and partnerships that connect classroom learning with real-world experience. This latest recognition adds to the University's growing list of national distinctions for academic excellence, innovation and student success.