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Rollins Ranked No. 1 Private Regional University in the South

September 23, 2024

By Jessica Firpi ’11

Rollins Commencement 2024
Photo by Scott Cook.

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 2025.

In U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings of the nation’s best colleges, Rollins is the top-ranked private institution among regional universities in the South. The College ranked No. 2 overall among the 133 schools in the regional universities in the South category, which is composed of schools that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s-level programs.

For more than 25 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Rollins among the top two regional universities in the South and the top-ranked Florida school in the category.

In total, the organization assessed nearly 1,500 schools across the country on 17 key measures of academic quality. Rollins continues to rank high among the country’s most renowned institutions based on metrics like first-year retention rates, student-faculty ratio, and overall graduation and retention rates.

“Rollins is proud to once again be named among the nation’s top colleges,” says President Grant Cornwell. “Being recognized as the No. 1 college in the South for our commitment to teaching is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to preparing students as global citizens and responsible leaders. This honor, along with recognition in several other categories, reflects the strength of our personalized, interdisciplinary approach and our dedication to fostering an exceptional educational experience.”

A biology student and professor work together in the lab.
Rollins ranked No. 1 for its commitment to teaching undergraduate students, underscoring our expert faculty and innovative curriculum. Photo by Scott Cook.

In addition to a spot among the best of the best, Rollins earned a place on several other notable lists among regional universities in the South, including No. 1 for our faculty’s commitment to teaching undergraduate students and No. 2 for the South’s most innovative schools, highlighting the College’s interdisciplinary curriculum and rich offerings when it comes to campus life, technology, and facilities.

With about 94 percent of Rollins students receiving more than $98 million in financial aid each year, coupled with high-impact experiences leading to meaningful lives and productive careers, Rollins also ranks among the best regional universities in the South for value and social mobility.

Additionally, Rollins’ undergraduate business and psychology programs were recognized among the nation’s best.

Rollins’ consistently high rankings across multiple categories highlights the College's dedication to delivering a transformative education rooted in the liberal arts. Since 1885, Rollins has cultivated future leaders through personalized learning, experiential opportunities, and a deeply integrated approach to mentorship. These tenets remain central to our mission, equipping Tars with the essential skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world and empowering them to build purpose-driven lives and successful careers.

The print edition of the “Best Colleges 2025” guidebook can be purchased online now or on newsstands.


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