Millikin University Acknowledged Amongst Prime Regional Colleges in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Rankings

DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University has as soon as once more been acknowledged as one of many Midwest’s high faculties within the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, affirming its dedication to educational excellence, scholar success and affordability. 

Millikin is ranked No. 15 among the many Best Regional Colleges within the Midwest, sustaining its standing because the second-highest ranked faculty in Illinois on this class. This marks the third consecutive 12 months Millikin has held the No. 2 spot in Illinois, a testomony to the University’s sturdy popularity and constant educational high quality.

“Millikin’s consistent presence among the top colleges in the Midwest reflects our commitment to combining academic rigor with real-world learning,” mentioned Dr. Dean Pribbenow, President of Millikin University. “These rankings affirm the transformative experiences we provide our students through Performance Learning, preparing them to lead and succeed in their chosen fields.” 

In addition to total recognition, Millikin acquired excessive marks as a “Best Value School in the Midwest.” Millikin climbed to No. 16 within the Midwest and No. 3 in Illinois, highlighting a steadiness of educational excellence and affordability. 

Interim Provost Dr. Nancy Curtin famous that Millikin’s rising “Best Value” rating underscores the University’s funding in college students.  

“Millikin’s recognition in these rankings highlights the strength of our academic programs and our commitment to student achievement,” mentioned Dr. Nancy Curtin, Interim Provost of Millikin University. “We are especially proud of our rising Best Value ranking, which demonstrates that Millikin continues to provide an exceptional education that is both accessible and affordable. Our faculty and staff are deeply dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.” 

Millikin lately introduced that it welcomed the largest undergraduate class since 2020 this fall. The incoming Class of 2029 included 545 undergraduate college students, a 17% p.c enhance in college students from fall 2024. Thanks to the profitable implementation of articulation and switch agreements with a number of Central Illinois group faculties, together with Richland, Parkland, Heartland, and Lincoln Land Community Colleges, Millikin welcomed 132 switch college students to the Big Blue household, the most important quantity since 2015. 

In U.S. News & World Report’s “Social Mobility” rankings, which consider how properly faculties graduate college students who obtain federal Pell Grants, Millikin ranks No. 5 amongst Illinois establishments, demonstrating Millikin’s continued dedication to supporting college students from lower-income backgrounds and serving to them obtain diploma completion. 

The U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Colleges class includes 397 colleges which might be divided and ranked into 4 geographical teams: North, South, Midwest and West. Millikin has participated in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges publication and information assortment for over 20 years. For the vast majority of these years, Millikin has been ranked within the high 15 or larger. 

With over 80 colleges ranked within the Regional Colleges Midwest class, Millikin stands out not solely in Illinois however throughout the area for its excellence in instructing, dedication to affordability and dedication to scholar outcomes.