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Rollins Ranked No. 1 Regional University in the South

September 13, 2021

By Stephanie Rizzo ’09

Students walking at commencement
Photo by Scott Cook.

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.

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. Photo by 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

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