Rockhurst University has once again surpassed its own record after achieving its highest-ever regional ranking last year. On Sept. 23, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 ranked Rockhurst No. 6 among Regional Universities in the Midwest, out of 161 schools—the university’s best standing to date. Unlike last year, Rockhurst was not tied with any other institution for the spot. The university also earned high marks for innovation, service to veterans and undergraduate teaching.
Rockhurst was ranked No. 2 in the Midwest for Best Colleges for Veterans, second only to the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The university also rose to No. 11 for undergraduate teaching, with both categories previously unranked.
In addition, Rockhurst was named No. 30 among Best Value Schools and placed in the top 25 nationally for undergraduate analytics and management programs, up from the top 30 last year. Finally, the university tied for No. 6 among the Most Innovative Schools with Alverno College and Augustana University, maintaining its position from the previous year.
As President Sandra Cassady said in her announcement to the campus community, “Rankings do not tell the whole story of our institution’s success, but they reflect the continued work by every member of our campus to make sure the value of a Rockhurst University degree increases year after year.”
Cassady recalled that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of the entire Rockhurst community.
“It feels good any time your hard work is recognized,” Cassady said. “Faculty, staff, students and alumni all play a part in maintaining our reputation as one of the top institutions in the region. As a university, we are committed to always raising the value of a Rockhurst University degree for our graduates, so we are happy to move up in the rankings — especially because our progress reflects continued success in student graduation rates and increases in our peer assessment score, which measures how leaders at other institutions view us.”
Continued national recognition highlights the quality of Rockhurst’s education, faculty, staff and students. It also supports the university’s admissions efforts by strengthening communication with prospective students—a key factor in Rockhurst’s ongoing success.
Looking ahead, the university’s priorities remain centered on growth and innovation while staying true to its Catholic, Jesuit and liberal arts traditions.
“Rockhurst continues to explore new programs with high student interest and market demand,” Cassady said. “We will build more partnerships both within our Jesuit network in the U.S. and with other institutions. Our recently announced partnerships with Creighton University, Regis University and Saint Louis University, along with our strategic alliance with Spring Hill College, are examples of that work. Our early-decision admissions entry into select graduate programs with Kansas City University also helps students reach their goals more efficiently.”
Cassady emphasized that future strategic investments in facilities and programs will continue to enhance the student experience.
“In the coming years, you will also see Rockhurst continue to make improvements to our facilities to better serve students,” Cassady said.
Rockhurst’s rise in the rankings is both a celebration of progress and a reflection of the shared commitment that defines the university.
