For the fifth year in a row, Elon University tops a “Best Undergraduate Teaching” list published by U.S. News & World Report, while the university was ranked among the top 10 in the nation in every category that comprises “Programs that Enhance Student Experience.”
Elon University extended its #1 ranking for undergraduate teaching for the fifth consecutive year in the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s influential “Best Colleges” guidebook.
U.S. News asks higher education leaders each year about institutions that perform at the highest levels. Since joining the National Universities category in 2019, Elon has consistently ranked at the top of the list.
And in the most recent guide, Elon University is ranked in the top 10 in all eight categories that comprise the U.S. News’ annual list of “Programs that Enhance Student Experience.”
“Elon University faculty demonstrate a commitment to excellence every day when they inspire classroom learning and mentor students working to achieve their academic and career goals,” said Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book. “These rankings reflect a collective effort by exemplary faculty and staff who understand the power of a community that joins together in pursuit of a common goal: human transformation.”
These rankings reflect a collective effort by exemplary faculty and staff who understand the power of a community that joins together in pursuit of a common goal: human transformation.
– Elon University President Connie Ledoux Book
The Top 10 national universities recognized for “Best Undergraduate Teaching” for the 2026 edition:
- #1 – Elon University
- #2 – Brown University
- #3 – Dartmouth College
- #4 – Princeton University
- #5 – Georgia State University
- #6 – Boston College
- #7 – Duke University
- #8 (tied) – Rice University
- #8 (tied) – Yale University
- #10 – University of Notre Dame
Recognition on the list of “Programs that Enhance Student Experience” reflects a reputation for excellence across a range of programs including study abroad, first-year experiences, learning communities, internships and undergraduate research.
Elon earned the following rankings in the eight academic and cocurricular programs linked to student success and positive learning outcomes:
- #1 – Learning Communities
- #1 – First-Year Experiences
- #2 – Study Abroad
- #2 – Service Learning
- #2 – Senior Capstone
- #8 (tied) – Writing in the Disciplines
- #8 – Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects
- #9 – Co-ops/Internships
Elon continued its climb up the ranks of national universities and is now listed at #117 among all institutions – and #61 among private schools – focused on research and offering multiple doctoral programs.
The top schools this year are, in rank order: Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, University of Chicago, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania.
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.