Abilene Christian University earned national honors in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, securing top rankings across undergraduate teaching, undergraduate research and innovation. Notably, ACU placed #25 in the nation for undergraduate teaching.
Only 25 institutions were recognized on the lists for teaching, research and innovation. Among them are ACU, Brown, Cornell, Rice, Vanderbilt, Harvard, Yale and Stanford. Abilene Christian is one of only three Texas universities and the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to be named to all three.
“It’s a testament to ACU’s educational excellence to be recognized in all three of those significant categories,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president. “Here, students have access to world-class academics and research alongside teaching and mentoring in a faith-focused, Christ-centered community. We are honored that our peers continue to recognize the transformational experience offered here.”
In addition, ACU continued its strong performance in U.S. News & World Report’s “Programs That Enhance Student Experience” benchmarks. The university earned national recognition across four key categories this year:
- Service Learning: #12 (highest ranked university in Texas)
- First-Year Experience: #17
- Learning Communities: #20
- Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects: #53
Other categories in which Abilene Christian was honored:
- #25 in Undergraduate Teaching Programs (National Universities)
- #65 (tied) in Most Innovative Schools (National Universities)
- #146 (tied) in Top Private Colleges (National Universities)
- #106 in Undergraduate Engineering Programs (National Universities)
In the overall Best National Universities list, ACU placed #308. The 2027 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges evaluated nearly 1,500 U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.
Learn more about ACU’s rankings history and recognition in areas of student success.