Sept. 24, 2026
DECATUR, Ill. — 鶹Լ University has once again been recognized as one of Illinois’ top colleges in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, affirming its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and affordability.
鶹Լ is ranked No. 4 in Illinois among the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest. New this year was the category of Top Private College, Regional Colleges Midwest, in which 鶹Լ also ranked No. 4 in Illinois.
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“鶹Լ’s recognition among the leading regional colleges in Illinois reflects the distinctive education we provide our students,” said Dr. Dean A. Pribbenow, President of 鶹Լ University. “Through Performance Learning and personalized attention, we prepare students to connect what they learn to the world around them. These rankings affirm the quality and value of the 鶹Լ experience.”
In addition to overall recognition, 鶹Լ received high marks as a “Best Value School in the Midwest.” 鶹Լ ranked No. 6 in Illinois, highlighting a balance of academic excellence and affordability.
Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin noted that 鶹Լ’s “Best Value” ranking underscores the University’s investment in students.
“鶹Լ is committed to making a high-quality education accessible to students and their families,” said Dr. Nancy Curtin, Interim Provost of 鶹Լ University. “We know affordability matters, and we are proud to provide an exceptional education that opens doors for students and prepares them for success.”
鶹Լ recently announced that it . The incoming Class of 2030 included 445 new undergraduate students, a 12% percent increase in students from Fall 2025. Of these first-time students, 19 are international — the largest number since 2021. The University also welcomed 135 transfer students, the most in 11 years, demonstrating its commitment to expanding the pathways and opportunities available to students seeking a 鶹Լ education.
The 2027 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities.
