ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University was selected as a “2026 Best College” and earned rankings in six categories in the U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, released on Tuesday.

Ashland was again among the top 30 percent of its peers in the Regional Universities (Midwest) category, coming in at No. 42 this year. Overall, there are 161 institutions that U.S. News classifies as Regional Universities (Midwest), defining them as those offering “a broad scope of undergraduate and some master’s degrees, but few doctoral programs.” This marks the third consecutive year Ashland has finished among the top 30 percent, and it was seventh among Ohio schools in that category.

Ashland performed well in several specialized lists, including a trio of individual rankings among the Midwest Region:

· No. 19 in “Best Colleges for Veterans,” a category of top-ranked schools that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees

· No. 50 in “Best Value Schools,” a category that factors academic quality and net cost of attendance

· No. 61 in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” a category measuring how well schools enroll and graduate students who are awarded federal Pell Grants

U.S. News also ranked some specific undergraduate programs, based on the highest number of bachelor’s degrees granted annually, and Ashland stood out for its nursing and business education. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program within the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences was recognized nationally based on producing a top score from surveys of leading academics and officials at nursing schools or departments. Similarly, Ashland was also recognized for its undergraduate business program in the Dauch College of Business and Economics, according to feedback on surveys of deans and senior faculty members.

“We are honored to be named a ‘Best College’ by U.S. News. This recognition affirms that Ashland’s outstanding faculty are delivering a first-rate education to our students,” stated AU President Jon Parrish Peede. “I’m also pleased that Ashland stands out as a leading option for veterans, as a place that provides a strong education at an affordable place and as a school that transforms lives.”

The editors of U.S. News’ “Best Colleges” calculate their distinct rankings by grouping colleges and universities by their academic missions (national universities, national liberal arts colleges, regional universities, regional colleges). Then, rankings are determined by 17 academic quality factors such as peer assessment, graduation rates, graduation rate performance, financial resources, borrower debt and first-year retention rate. The latest edition continues to prioritize social mobility and post-graduate success.

“U.S. News’ Best Colleges remains a reliable resource for prospective students and their families as they navigate the college selection process,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “With over half of the ranking factors dedicated to student outcomes,

the rankings and editorial content provide vital data, college advice and informed reporting to every student pursuing higher education.”