Rollins Ranked No. 1 Private Regional University in the South
U.S. News & World Report has ranked Rollins as the top private institution and No. 2 overall among the regional universities in the South for 2026.
September 23, 2025
In U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of the nation’s best colleges, Rollins is the top-ranked private institution among regional universities in the South. The College ranked No. 2 overall among the 133 schools in the regional universities in the South category, which is composed of schools that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s-level programs.
For more than 25 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Rollins among the top two regional universities in the South and the top-ranked Florida school in the category.
In total, the organization assessed more than 1,700 schools across the country on 17 key measures of academic quality and graduate success. Rollins continues to rank high among the country’s most renowned institutions based on metrics like first-year retention rates, student-faculty ratio, and overall graduation and retention rates.
“Our ranking as the No. 1 private regional university in the South affirms our commitment to empowering students to explore boldly, think critically, and lead with integrity in a world that needs their passion and creativity more than ever,” says President Brooke Barnett.
In addition to a spot among the best of the best, Rollins earned several other accolades among regional universities in the South, including No. 2 for our faculty’s commitment to teaching undergraduate students and No. 6 for the South’s most innovative schools, highlighting the College’s interdisciplinary curriculum and rich offerings when it comes to campus life, technology, and facilities.
With about 94 percent of Rollins students receiving more than $102 million in financial aid each year, coupled with high-impact experiences leading to meaningful lives and productive careers, Rollins also ranks among the best regional universities in the South for value and social mobility.
Additionally, Rollins’ undergraduate business and psychology programs were recognized among the nation’s best.
Rollins’ consistently high rankings across multiple categories highlights the College's dedication to delivering a transformative education rooted in the liberal arts. Since 1885, Rollins has cultivated future leaders through personalized learning, experiential opportunities, and a deeply integrated approach to support and mentorship. These tenets remain central to our mission, equipping Tars with the essential skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world and empowering them to build purpose-driven lives and successful careers.
The print edition of the “Best Colleges 2026” guidebook can be purchased online now or on newsstands.
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