This year, Andrews University climbed in national rankings for academics, value and programs. Photo credit: Darren Heslop
Andrews University climbed 31 places in this year’s 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking and is now placed among the top 250 national universities in America. This continues the University’s upward movement, having risen 43 places in 2024 from the year prior. Andrews tied with Biola University, Grand Valley State University, the University of North Dakota and several others, ranking #242 out of 436 national universities.
National universities are selected from more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities based on several metrics of academic quality and graduate success. Andrews is the only Adventist university to be classified by U.S. News as a national university, with other peer universities ranked as regional colleges or universities. This placement reflects the University’s competitiveness alongside both state universities and top private universities; Princeton, followed by MIT and Harvard, took the top spots in this year’s U.S. News ranking of national universities.
“Students should know that there is an Adventist option among the nation’s leading universities. Andrews is proud to be that option, allowing students to grow in their faith without compromising academic strength or career readiness,” shares Anthony Bosman, learning officer.
Andrews also climbed 29 places as a Top Performer on Social Mobility, ranking in the top half of national universities (#189 of 436). In this category, Andrews outranks most Michigan public universities, including Michigan State University and Western Michigan University. The placement is an indication of the University’s ongoing commitment to provide an affordable education that helps the upward social mobility of students and families.
Additionally, the University rose in the ranking for Best Undergraduate Engineering Program, tying with Liberty University and several other undergraduate-focused engineering programs (#226). The Andrews University School of Engineering, in partnership with the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, provides students with opportunities to work with industry partners on real-world engineering projects. These engagements help students connect with and stand out to future employers.
Andrews University was also recognized in Niche’s Best Colleges in America ranking system. The Niche rankings combine several metrics of academic quality and graduate success with student surveys. Significantly, Andrews was ranked among the top 10% of Best Christian Colleges in America (#26 of 314) and in the top 15% for Best Academics in America (#239 of 1,612). It placed highest of any Adventist university in both categories and was the only Adventist university to be included on the list of Colleges with the Best Professors in America (#329 of 1,595).
Andrews was also recognized as the #1 Most Diverse College in America (#1 of 1,612), reflecting the diversity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the #1 Best Small College in Michigan. A student in one survey noted, “As a student at Andrews University I enjoy the mix of people, hearing different languages, learning new ideas, and making friends from around the world.” They added, “I know that Andrews is not just about getting a degree; it’s about growing, strengthening my faith, and making lasting friendships.”
Moreover, Niche recognized several of Andrews’ academic programs as among the nation’s best, including architecture, physical therapy, psychology and religion. Andrews offers both undergraduate and graduate options in all of these areas, as well as more than 100 other programs of study.
“These rankings reflect the exceptional professors and programs of study that students can find at Andrews. Here they’ll experience the transformative learning opportunities they’d expect of a highly ranked national university within our close-knit, supportive faith community," says John Wesley Taylor V, University president.
Following a review of fall census figures, Andrews University saw significant growth in its freshmen class, with a 13% enrollment increase of FTIAC (First Time in Any College) students compared to last year. The College of Professions also saw meaningful growth—a 9% increase—this fall, with many new students entering aviation and other programs.
However, due in part to visa challenges, there was a 6% decrease in international students compared to last year. The University’s headcount enrollment for fall 2025 showed 2,967 students, reflecting a 2% decrease from last year. In response, the University has been working with international students who were not able to arrive in time for classes this fall, helping them join classes in the spring semester or online through Andrews’ Global Campus. The fall census numbers also indicated an overall modest increase in enrolled credit hours from last year, growing from 29,254 to 29,362 this fall.
In addition to the fall census report, the University measures its unduplicated headcount, which includes the total number of students enrolled at Andrews over a 12-month period. Approximately one thousand additional students are included in this number, demonstrating that several programs do not follow the typical semester schedule.
“We acknowledge that the challenges facing many of our students are real, but we are counting the blessings of our good God. We do not have a spirit of fear,” says Bordes Henry Saturné, vice president for Strategic Enrollment Management, Marketing & Communication. “We are confident that the same omnipotent God who has begun this magnificent work among us will bring it to completion with a resounding success. We praise God for His loving-kindness, and we move forward confidently by faith.”
Editor's note: This story was corrected to revise the decrease in international students. The percentage decrease is not 43% but 6%, since the overall group including returning international students held stronger.
Office of University Communication and Anthony Bosman, learning officer
