Rollins Ranked No. 1 Regional University in the South

Once again, Rollins has been ranked the No. 1 regional university in the South in the 2024 rankings of “Best Colleges,” released today by U.S. News & World Report.

Rollins was ranked No. 1 among the 136 colleges and universities in this 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 19 key measures of academic quality. This year’s methodology added factors like the proportion of employed graduates earning more than high school graduates and removed those like alumni giving, class size, the proportion of faculty with terminal degrees, and the proportion of graduates with debt. 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 honored once again to be recognized so prominently among the nation’s best colleges,” says Rollins President Grant Cornwell. “Our consistent placement as the No. 1 regional university in the South stands as a testament to our promise to provide students with all the tools they need to succeed as global citizens and responsible leaders. Our recognition in several categories affirms that our interdisciplinary, personalized learning environment combined with our integrated approach to mentorship and focus on experiential learning make for a distinctive educational environment that is uniquely Rollins.”

In addition to the top spot overall, Rollins earned a place on several other notable lists, including top 3 for our faculty’s commitment to teaching undergraduate students and as one of the South’s most innovative schools, highlighting the College’s interdisciplinary curriculum and improvements to campus life, technology, and facilities. Rollins’ undergraduate psychology program was recognized among the nation’s best as was our AACSB-accredited undergraduate business program, which moved up five places from the previous year.

Rollins’ high rankings across multiple categories underscore the College’s dedication to providing the next generation of leaders with the kind of foundation that’s essential to success in our ever-evolving world. Key tenets like our engaging, personalized learning environments, emphasis on applied learning, and commitment to mentorship have been the hallmark of a Rollins education since the College’s founding in 1885.

The print edition of the “Best Colleges 2024” guidebook can be purchased online now or on newsstands.