North Carolina Wesleyan University has earned a spot among the Top 50 private universities in the South in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, ranking No. 6 among private universities in North Carolina in the Regional Universities South category.
The recognition is especially significant as NC Wesleyan enters the Regional Universities South category for the first time. The University’s growing number of graduate programs moved NCWU into a larger and more competitive classification, where it is now evaluated alongside universities with broader graduate-level offerings.
NC Wesleyan was also recognized as a Top 5 university in North Carolina for Social Mobility, reflecting the University’s impact in helping students from a wide range of backgrounds access and complete higher education.
“These rankings reflect the growth of North Carolina Wesleyan while affirming what has always been central to our mission, creating opportunities for students to achieve their goals,” said NCWU President Dr. Evan D. Duff. “We are proud to be recognized among the leading private universities in the South and especially proud of the impact our students and graduates continue to make.”
The latest recognition builds on NC Wesleyan’s continued momentum in academic growth, student outcomes and national recognition as the University approaches its 70th anniversary.
NCWU Recognized by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report has released their 2024 Best Colleges rankings. This report evaluates 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide based on 17 measures of academic quality. Of the reports, North Carolina Wesleyan University was ranked again in the top 50 for Best Regional Colleges (South) and Best Value School. It was also among one of only 13 schools chosen as Best Colleges for Veterans. These ranking pairs well with the University’s recent 2023-2024 Military Friendly® School Gold designation.
“Our dedication to students and the community is reflected in our consistency of being recognized by U.S. News & World Report year after year. The personal, practical and purpose-driven education that we provide our students is something that I’m proud of; in addition, our faculty and staff do an exceptional job of ensuring a quality experience for these future leaders,” stated President Dr. Evan D. Duff.
Other notable rankings include recognition in the Social Mobility category, which considers a university enrolling and graduating large proportions of first-generation college students and disadvantaged students who are awarded with Pell Grants. To learn more about this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-south.
