Lander University has once again been recognized as one of the South’s top destinations for higher education, ranking prominently in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings. Lander has consistently ranked among the top five public institutions in the Regional Colleges (South) category—a distinction that highlights the University’s growing reputation for excellence.
This national recognition follows a record-breaking fall enrollment, which saw both the largest freshman class and the largest overall student body in Lander’s history. Together, these milestones reflect the strong momentum of a university that pairs academic quality with a vibrant, supportive community where students thrive.
“This continued recognition shows that Lander’s momentum is real,” said Brian Apfel, vice president for University Marketing and Communications at Lander. “What sets Lander apart is the way our community blends career-focused academics with a lively, close-knit campus experience that ensures students receive both opportunity and personal attention.”
Lander received high marks among several categories in the publication, including:
Among public institutions in the region, Lander stands out as one of the very best, earning the #4 spot on the “Top Public Schools” list. On the broader list for “Best Colleges” - which includes both private and public institutions in the region - Lander earned the #12 spot. This ranking is two spots higher than Lander placed on the same list last year, and is an impressive 32-spot climb since 2016. The University also continues to be a leader in serving military-affiliated students, ranking #2 on the list of “Best Colleges for Veterans.” This recognition builds on Lander’s designation as both a Military Friendly Gold School and a Military Spouse Friendly School for the 2025–26 academic year.
“Once again, we are honored to be named among the best colleges in the region,” said Dr. Richard Cosentino, president of Lander. “These rankings shine a spotlight on the quality of our academic programs, the passion of our faculty, and the personalized support our staff provides to ensure students thrive, both at Lander and beyond.”