Anderson University has earned the top spot among private universities in South Carolina and ranks #16 among all private regional universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 “Best Colleges” rankings.
The University also held its position at #31 overall among all regional universities in the South, a standing made more significant by the addition of nearly 40 colleges and universities newly reclassified into the Best Regional Universities–South category. U.S. News also named AU among the South’s “Best Value” schools.
The rankings reflect two decades of deliberate growth that has drawn more qualified students, more rigorous academic programs and more accomplished faculty to Anderson’s campus while elevating the University’s national profile among the country’s leading comprehensive Christian institutions.
Anderson University President Evans P. Whitaker says that growth has always served a larger purpose.
“We believe education is ultimately about more than preparing students for a career. It is about preparing them for human flourishing: the capacity to live meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling lives while contributing to the flourishing of their families, professions, communities and society,” President Whitaker said. “Our Christian foundation informs our understanding of human dignity, vocation, community and the responsibilities that accompany knowledge and influence. Faith does not narrow our intellectual ambitions. It gives them depth and purpose.”
Anderson University’s 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Rankings:
- #1 in South Carolina — Top Private Colleges, Regional Universities (South)
- #16 — Top Private Colleges, Regional Universities (South)
- #15 — Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities (South)
- #31 — Overall Rank, Regional Universities (South)
- #32 — Best Value Schools, Regional Universities (South)
- #1 (tied) among Private Institutions in South Carolina: College Grads Earning More Than a High School Grad, among Regional Universities (South)
- #2 Highest (tied) in South Carolina: College Grads Earning More Than a High School Grad, among Regional Universities (South)
- #2 Highest First-Year Retention Rate in South Carolina, among Regional Universities (South)
- #1 Highest First-Year Retention Rate in South Carolina among Private Institutions, among Regional Universities (South)
- #2 Highest (tied) Six-Year Graduation Rate in South Carolina, among Regional Universities (South)
- #1 Six-Year Graduation Rate in South Carolina among Private Institutions, among Regional Universities (South)
The rankings arrive as AU continues building a national reputation that matches its regional standing. Whitaker sees the recognition as a marker of progress and a call to reach further.
“Continuing our growth as a top-tier comprehensive university means attracting students and faculty who are exceptional,” President Whitaker said. “It means earning the respect of our academic peers and sending graduates into careers and lives that matter while showing up for the communities around us. And it means building a national presence that keeps growing. Growth got us here. Now we’re after something more.”