For the 22nd consecutive year, Bethel University has been recognized by U.S. News on its annual Best Colleges list. For 2026, Bethel is ranked among the Midwest’s Best Regional Universities, distinguished in the top 20 for social mobility and ranked for its nursing program.
The 2026 edition evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. The rankings emphasize student outcomes, academic resources and reputation. This transparent, rigorous methodology offers a foundation for navigating the complex landscape of higher education.
Bethel was also ranked No. 17 on the list of “Top Performers on Social Mobility – Regional Universities Midwest,” recognizing Bethel as a university with success in helping economically disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants advance in social mobility, borrower debt and college graduates earning more than high school graduates.
Bethel University was also recently named to Money Magazine’s 2025 list of “Best Colleges in America,” ranked by value and Washington Monthly’s 2025 “Best Bang for the Buck” and “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” lists.
For more information and the full list of rankings, visit USNews.com/Best-Colleges.