Rollins Ranked No. 1 Regional University in the South

U.S. News & World Report ranks Rollins the No. 1 regional university in the South in its annual rankings of the nation’s best colleges.

By Stephanie Rizzo ’09

September 13, 2021

Students walking at commencement
Scott Cook

We’re No. 1—again. That’s right, Rollins has once again been named the No. 1 regional university in the South by U.S. News & World Report for the 2021-22 school year.

Rollins was ranked No. 1 among the 103 colleges and universities in this category, which is composed of schools that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s-level programs. This is the 26th consecutive year that U.S. News & World Report has ranked the College 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 1,400 schools across the country on 17 measures of academic quality. Rollins continues to rank high among the competition based on metrics like first-year retention rates, strength of faculty, graduation and retention rates, and a low ratio of student debt among graduates.

“Rollins is proud once again to be recognized so prominently among the nation’s best colleges,” says Rollins President Grant Cornwell. “The College’s long-standing title as the No. 1 regional university in the South highlights our commitment to providing students with every opportunity to succeed in a global market. Our inclusion in several distinctive subcategories affirms our mission to provide an innovative, interdisciplinary education to the next generation of leaders as they tackle the challenges of the 21st century.”

Art professor instructs student on painting techniques.
Rollins was ranked in the top 5 for best undergraduate teaching programs, which recognizes colleges for having a strong commitment to teaching undergraduates. | Scott Cook

In addition to the top spot among the best of the best, Rollins earned a place on several other notable lists, including recognitions for our innovative liberal arts curriculum, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and overall value in terms of what graduates get out of their education. The College’s AACSB-accredited undergraduate business program was also rated as one of the country’s best.

Rollins’ high rankings reflect the College’s dedication to providing students with strong mentors and engaging, personalized learning environments. The high level of support that students receive is also instructive as they learn to confront some of the world’s biggest challenges through hands-on learning experiences and the development of future-proof skills like creative problem solving and collaboration.

The print edition of the “Best Colleges 2022” guidebook can be purchased online now or on newsstands November 2.

Professor and students in a class discussion at a Rollins outdoor classroom

See for Yourself

Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.

Take a Closer Look

Recent Stories

November 04, 2025

Sanabria Publishes Book on Evolutionary Neuroscience in Counseling

Samuel Sanabria, professor of counseling in Rollins’ Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, has released a new book on applied neuroscience concentration and evolutionary neuroscience.

Sanabria Publishes Book on Evolutionary Neuroscience in Counseling

September 23, 2025

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.

Rollins Ranked No. 1 Private Regional University in the South

September 17, 2025

Rollins Ranks Among America’s Top Colleges

Forbes magazine has recognized Rollins among the nation’s top colleges for delivering strong student outcomes, financial accessibility, long-term value, and a personalized path to success.

Rollins Ranks Among America’s Top Colleges