Elon University is ranked among the Top 100 national universities and continues to stand out for excellence in undergraduate education, earning top marks for teaching and student experiences in the 2027 edition of the U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings.
Elon University has earned a place among the nation’s Top 100 national universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings and maintained its position as the nation’s No. 1 university for undergraduate teaching for the sixth consecutive year.
In the latest U.S. News and World Report “Best Colleges” guide, Elon was ranked No. 100 among national universities and, among private universities, Elon is ranked No. 55. The National Universities category includes institutions across the country with a broad range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral programs, with many also producing significant academic research.
Elon joined the National Universities category in 2019 and has steadily strengthened its position while maintaining national leadership in undergraduate teaching and high-impact educational experiences.
In addition to being ranked No. 1 for undergraduate teaching for the sixth straight year, Elon is the only school ranked in the Top 15 across all eight categories included in U.S. News’ “Programs that Enhance Student Experience” rankings. The categories highlight academic and cocurricular programs that are closely linked to student success and positive learning outcomes.
Elon was again recognized as one of the country’s most innovative schools, earning a No. 8 ranking in the category. The Most Innovative national universities list includes those making innovative improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.
The university earned three No. 1 rankings, for Undergraduate Teaching, Learning Communities and First-Year Experiences, while also placing among the nation’s top five for Study Abroad, Service Learning and Senior Capstone experiences.
Elon’s rankings include:
- #1 – Undergraduate Teaching
- #1 – Learning Communities
- #1 – First-Year Experiences
- #4 (tied) – Study Abroad
- #4 – Senior Capstone
- #5 – Service Learning
- #8 (tied) – Most Innovative
- #11 (tied) – Co-ops/Internships
- #12 (tied) – Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
- #13 (tied) – Writing in the Disciplines
Elon’s continued success across the rankings reflects the university’s longstanding emphasis on engaged and experiential learning, close relationships among students, faculty and staff, and a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond the classroom.
“This year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect what Elon has long known: exceptional teaching and student success go hand in hand,” said Elon President Connie Ledoux Book. “The rankings are a powerful affirmation of the value and outcomes of an Elon education and the university’s teacher-scholar-mentor model. From an Elon student’s first year, when they are immediately engaged and empowered, to the moment they walk across the graduation stage and beyond, Elon faculty are intentional about creating opportunities that prepare students to be leaders of impact in this ever-changing world.”
U.S. News & World Report has been producing college rankings since 1983. The rankings are based on an extensive annual data survey of institutions along with opinion surveys of university faculty and administrators. Its methodology is available here.