Union Adventist University has once again been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings, earning accolades as both a “Best Value” and “Top Performer for Social Mobility.”
In the 2026 rankings, Union placed fifth in social mobility among Midwestern regional colleges — the university’s highest ranking since the category’s creation in 2019. The social mobility ranking attempts to measure the extent to which a school elevates students from low-income families to a higher standard of living. According to U.S. News, “Economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for their achievement in high school. But some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants.”
“Union is a place for transformation — spiritual, academic, and economic,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, the university president. “From Union’s founding, our mission has been to meet students where they are and walk beside them on their journey to success.”
Union was also ranked 11th in the “Best Value Schools” category for Midwestern regional colleges. This list recognizes schools that offer strong academic programs at a lower net cost, reflecting an exceptional return on investment. As U.S. News notes, “The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal.”
In the overall rankings, Union placed 25th among Midwestern regional colleges, continuing its two-decade streak in the top tier. Since first appearing in the rankings 20 years ago, Union’s placement has ranged from 46th to 14th. While this year’s rank dipped from last year’s all-time high, the shift is likely due to a lower four-year graduation rate for students who began college during the pandemic. Union’s overall score of 64 points out of 100 remains the highest among Adventist colleges and universities.
“The U.S. News rankings reflect what we witness every day on our campus,” Bazan said. “Union’s students are growing, achieving, and overcoming barriers — thanks to the commitment of our faculty, staff, families, and alumni whose expertise, energy and gifts have created this top-tier learning community.”