Ashland selected a “2025 Best College” by U.S. News, ranked among top 25 percent of Midwest Regional Universities

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland University was named a “2025 Best College” by the highly-respected U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings, released on Tuesday, and also earned distinction in four additional rankings by the publication.

A year after jumping nearly 50 spots to No. 35 in the Regional Universities (Midwest) rankings, Ashland came in at a nearly identical spot this year – No. 37. Overall, there are 164 institutions within the Regional Universities (Midwest) category, which U.S. News defines as those offering “a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs but few doctoral programs,” thus Ashland finished among the 25 percent.

Within the state of Ohio, Ashland was seventh among Regional Universities, same as in last year’s rankings.

Ashland excelled in a series of U.S. News’ individual categories, including a trio of top-50 ratings among the Midwest Region:

• No. 20 in “Best Colleges for Veterans,” a category of top-ranked schools that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees. Ashland improved 16 spots in this category from a year ago.
• No. 36 in “Best Value Schools,” a category that factors academic quality and net cost of attendance.
• No. 41 in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” a category measuring how well schools enroll and graduate students who are awarded federal Pell Grants.

“We are proud to be selected as a ‘Best College’ again by U.S. News & World Report, a leader in college rankings. This is additional confirmation that Ashland delivers a first-rate education,” stated AU President Jon Parrish Peede. “I’m particularly excited to see that Ashland stands out as a top option for veterans, for those looking for a strong education at an affordable price and as a top performer for those seeking a transformational experience.”

Nationally, Ashland was recognized for its nursing education. Its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program within the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences received a “Best College” distinction after averaging a top score from surveys of leading academics and officials at nursing schools or departments.

The editors of U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” calculate their distinct rankings by grouping colleges and universities by their academic missions (national universities, national liberal arts colleges, regional universities, regional colleges). Within Ashland’s category,  Regional Universities, rankings are determined by 13 key measures of academic quality, such as peer assessment, graduation and first-year retention rates, borrower debt, financial resources, and graduation rate performance. The latest edition continues to prioritize social mobility and post-graduate success.

“Now in its 40th year, the Best Colleges rankings continue to be a trusted source of information for students and their families,” said LaMont Jones, managing editor for education at U.S. News. “By considering factors such as social mobility and post-graduate success, we aim to help students choose schools that not only provide a quality education but also prepare them for a successful and fulfilling future.”