09/26/2026
Way to go Lee University!!
Lee University has once again been ranked among the best universities in the South by the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The school was ranked No. 37 among the "Best Regional Universities - South," a category that includes both public and private universities. It was also ranked No. 19 in the new "Top Private Schools" category.
"We are honored to be recognized among the leading universities in the South and particularly encouraged to see Lee recognized for the quality of our undergraduate teaching and the value we provide our students," said Lee University President Dr. Phil Cook. "These distinctions reflect the commitment of our faculty and staff to create an educational experience that prepares students not only for successful careers, but for lives of purpose and service. We remain deeply committed to giving every student the opportunity to grow, discover their calling, and make a lasting difference in the world."
Lee also appears in the "Best Value Schools" ranking at No. 14, the "Best Undergraduate Teaching" at No. 16, and the "Best Colleges for Veterans" at No. 21.
"Best Value Schools" were determined by the ratio of academic quality to price, the percentage of need-based students who received scholarships and grants, and the percentage of the school costs, such as room and board, fees, and books that were covered by the average need-based scholarship or grant.
"Best Undergraduate Teaching" focuses on schools whose faculty and administrators are committed to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality manner. College presidents, provosts, and admissions deans who participated in the annual U.S. News peer assessment survey were asked to nominate up to 15 schools in their "Best Colleges" ranking category that have strength in undergraduate teaching. The "Best Undergraduate Teaching" rankings are based solely on the responses to this separate section of the peer assessment survey.
"Best Colleges for Veterans" highlights the top-ranked schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. This is determined by the enrollment of, and benefits for, veterans and active-duty service members at institutions certified for the GI Bill and participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
"For students and families exploring their college options, these rankings offer another glimpse into the quality and value of a Lee education," said Micaleah Parker, director of Undergraduate Admissions at Lee. "We're proud of what our faculty and staff provide for students and excited to help prospective students experience the Lee community for themselves."
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America's colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information about the institutions and data on factors such as graduation rates, post-graduate earnings, and student-faculty ratios. Founded in 1933, U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders, and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting communities and individual lives. A multifaceted digital media company, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice, and U.S. News Live events.
For more information and a full list of the rankings, visit usnews.com/best-colleges.
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