The 2026 rankings evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, measuring academic quality, affordability, innovation, and student outcomes. Catawba stood out in several key categories:
- #4 Best Colleges in the South
- #2 Most Innovative Colleges in the South
- #23 Best Value Schools in the South
- #24 Top Performers on Social Mobility in the South
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Catawba College President Dr. David P. Nelson. “We remain committed to providing learning opportunities that are exceptional and accessible to students who embrace the Catawba ideal, Scholarship with Character and Culture for Service, and who aim to make the world more like the place we all want to live.”
A Tradition of Excellence and Innovation
Catawba’s consistent Top 10 ranking underscores its commitment to nurturing a student-centered learning environment where academic rigor is balanced with a culture of care and service. The College’s focus on student success extends beyond graduation, helping students from all backgrounds thrive in their personal and professional lives.
The #2 ranking as one of the Most Innovative Colleges in the South highlights Catawba’s ability to anticipate change and embrace new approaches to teaching, learning, and student engagement. From pioneering immersive experiences like Dreamscape Learn, to expanding hands-on opportunities through the Graham Genomics Lab, to championing sustainability and creativity with the Solar Racing Team, Catawba continues to inspire innovation across disciplines. These initiatives demonstrate the College’s adaptability in a changing educational landscape and its commitment to preparing students to lead with curiosity, courage, and purpose.
Catawba also earned recognition for value and affordability, ranking #23 Best Value College in the South. This accolade reinforces the College’s pledge to deliver exceptional education while keeping costs manageable for students and families.
Finally, its placement as a Top Performer on Social Mobility demonstrates the College’s success in supporting students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to achieve their goals and move confidently into the future.
About the Rankings
Each year, U.S. News & World Report publishes its Best Colleges rankings to help prospective students and families make informed decisions about higher education. Rankings are based on multiple measures of academic excellence, including graduation rates, affordability, student indebtedness, and alumni success.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
