Columbia College earns top rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list

Columbia College announced its strong placement in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, continuing its tradition of academic excellence, value, and commitment to student success.

For the 2026 edition, Columbia College was recognized across four major categories:

• #59 (tie) in Regional Universities South
• #22 in Best Value Schools
• #30 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans
• #17 (tie) in Top Performers on Social Mobility

“These rankings affirm our mission to provide a transformative and accessible education that equips our students for success,” said Columbia College President Dr. John H. Dozier. “We are especially proud to be recognized for both value and social mobility, which speak directly to our dedication to keeping higher education affordable while ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.”

A Closer Look at the Rankings

• Regional Universities South (#59 tie): Columbia College continues to demonstrate strong performance in its overall academic quality among peer institutions in the South, measured by outcomes such as graduation rates, class sizes, student-to-faculty ratios, and retention.
• Best Value Schools (#22): Columbia College is recognized for maintaining strong academic quality while prioritizing affordability. The Best Value ranking considers academic quality and the school’s true cost of attendance after need-based financial aid, highlighting institutions that deliver both excellence and accessibility.
• Best Colleges for Veterans (#30 tie): Columbia College’s support for military-affiliated students earned recognition once again, as the College is certified for the G.I. Bill and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making higher education more attainable for veterans and active-duty service members.
• Top Performers on Social Mobility (#17 tie): Columbia College continues to stand out for enrolling and graduating a high percentage of students awarded Pell Grants – federal grants provided to students from lower-income households. This ranking underscores the College’s success in creating pathways for all students to complete their degrees and achieve upward mobility.

About the Rankings

For more than four decades, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings have helped millions of families navigate the college search process. The 2026 edition evaluated over 1,700 institutions across the nation using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success.

About Columbia College

Founded in 1854, Columbia College educates women and men to build successful careers and live lives of impact. The College’s liberal arts foundation ensures that students learn to think critically, develop their curiosity, and nurture a love for learning. With a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Columbia College students benefit from individualized support, engaged instruction, and personal mentorship. With more than 30 undergraduate programs and eight graduate programs, students can discover and pursue their passion and purpose.