Elon University has once again been recognized as the nation’s best for undergraduate teaching, earning the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings for the fifth consecutive year. The achievement cements Elon’s position as a national leader in hands-on learning and faculty engagement.
The university also ranked among the top 10 in all eight categories that make up U.S. News’ “Programs That Enhance Student Experience,” including first-year experiences, study abroad, internships, and undergraduate research. Since joining the National Universities category in 2019, Elon has maintained a top-tier reputation for innovative, student-centered education.
“Elon University faculty demonstrate a commitment to excellence every day when they inspire classroom learning and mentor students working to achieve their academic and career goals,” said President Connie Ledoux Book. “These rankings reflect a collective effort by exemplary faculty and staff who understand the power of a community united in pursuit of human transformation.”
Elon ranked first nationally for learning communities and first-year experiences, second for study abroad, service learning, and senior capstone projects, and placed in the top 10 for undergraduate research, writing in the disciplines, and internships.
Elon also continued its overall rise among national universities, climbing to No. 117 among all U.S. institutions and No. 61 among private universities offering multiple doctoral programs.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings, produced annually since 1983, are based on institutional data and surveys of university leaders evaluating schools for excellence in academic innovation, engagement, and teaching quality.
