John Carroll University has been ranked the No. 1 Regional University (Midwest) in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, up from No. 2 last year.
The No. 1 ranking builds on more than three decades of recognition from U.S. News & World Report, with John Carroll ranking among the top 10 regional universities in the Midwest for more than 30 consecutive years. This year, John Carroll also tied for No. 1 among Top Private Schools in the Midwest in U.S. News & World Report's rankings and earned six national rankings for specific programs.
“At a defining moment in higher education, U.S. News has affirmed something we’ve known for a long time: we are not a hidden gem, and our star is rising nationwide,” said President Carolyn Noll Sorg. “This number one ranking is a tribute to the dedication of our exceptional faculty and staff, and reflects why our Jesuit, student-centered education matters now more than ever – equipping graduates with the discernment, ethics, and human connection to lead in a world enabled by AI.”
Highlighting its national distinction, John Carroll launched its innovative, proprietary student success initiative and digital platform, Onward, this fall, providing guaranteed, tailored mentorship, hands-on learning, and career preparation for every student.
The ranking arrives as John Carroll welcomes its largest incoming class this decade and continues to invest in academic programs and student life. In recent years, the University launched a College of Health, earned full ABET accreditation for its Engineering Physics program, and made major campus enhancements, including opening an Athletic, Wellness & Event Center, as well as upgrading residence halls, Grasselli Library, and the student center. Additionally, Gateway North, a new mixed-use development featuring student housing and ground-floor retail at the front of campus, is scheduled to open in Fall 2027.
Beyond its top regional rankings, John Carroll earned national recognition in the following programs:
- #25 in Supply Chain Management / Logistics
- #32 in Marketing (tied)
- #34 in Management (tied)
- #37 in Accounting (tied)
- #230 in Business Programs (tied)
- #395 in Undergraduate Psychology (tied)
John Carroll also received recognition in several additional regional categories in the Midwest, including tying for No. 2 in Regional Universities for Undergraduate Teaching, No. 19 for Best Value Schools, and tying for No. 64 among Top Performers on Social Mobility.
The rankings build on John Carroll’s longstanding focus on undergraduate education and student success. The University has also been ranked among America's Best Colleges 2026-2027 by TIME and ranks among the top 7% of four-year universities nationwide by The Wall Street Journal. John Carroll graduates continue to demonstrate strong outcomes with 96% reporting being employed full-time, enrolled in graduate school, or completing a service program one year after graduation.
For the 2027 rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated over 100 Best Colleges rankings, all intended to help students and their families identify colleges that best meet their needs. The rankings highlight colleges that excel in areas such as value, social mobility, teaching, veterans’ needs, HBCUs, and six academic disciplines, including Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing, Economics, and Psychology.
View John Carroll’s complete U.S. News & World Report rankings here.
