Rankings and Recognition

We aspire to be the best at combining a world-class academic education in a Christ-centered environment, and that commitment is reflected in a full slate of annual accolades. Each year, ACU is nationally recognized for student academic programs and experiences by a wide variety of magazines, research organizations and third-party assessments. That excellence equips our students to achieve top placements and serve and lead throughout their lives.

We aspire to be the best at combining a world-class academic education in a Christ-centered environment, and that commitment is reflected in a full slate of annual accolades. Each year, ACU is nationally recognized for student academic programs and experiences by a wide variety of magazines, research organizations and third-party assessments. That excellence equips our students to achieve top placements and serve and lead throughout their lives.

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The Latest Rankings and Recognitions

Award stating ACU is one of the Best Colleges for Study Abroad in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report

An award stating ACU is one of the best colleges for service learning in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report

An award stating ACU is one of the best colleges for learning communities in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report

An award stating ACU is one of the best colleges for first year experiences in 2026 from U.S. News and World Report

  • Service Learning: No. 11 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2026 “Programs That Enhance Student Experience”
  • Learning Communities: No. 11 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2026 “Programs That Enhance Student Experience”
  • First-year Experience: No. 13 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2026 “Programs That Enhance Student Experience”
  • Study Abroad: No. 36 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2026 “Programs That Enhance Student Experience”
  • 2025-2026 Military Friendly School 
  • Service Learning: No. 7 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • First-year Experience: No. 11 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • Learning Communities: No. 14 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • Study Abroad: No. 18 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • Senior Capstone: No. 21 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects: No. 42 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • Undergraduate Teaching: No. 45 in the nation
    U.S. News & World Report 2025 “Programs to Look For”
  • Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
    U.S. News & World Report 2025
  • Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
    U.S. News & World Report 2025
  • Best Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs
    U.S. News & World Report 2025
  • Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs
    U.S. News & World Report 2025
  • Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
    U.S. News & World Report 2024
  • Best Online Doctorate in Education Programs: No. 5 in the nation
    Fortune Education 2024
  • Best Colleges in the U.S.
    Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025
  • America’s Top Colleges
    Forbes 2024-25
  • America’s Top Online Colleges
    Newsweek 2025
  • Best Colleges: Region by Region (Southwest)
    The Princeton Review 2025
  • Top 50 Game Design (Undergraduate)
    The Princeton Review 2025
  • Best Colleges
    Money Magazine 2024
  • Colleges of Distinction
    2024-25
  • Tops In Student Engagement
    National Survey of Student Engagement 2021
  • Top Producer of Fulbright Student Scholars
    Fulbright U.S. Student Program 2019

Nationally Recognized in Student Success

For the seventh consecutive year, the student experience at Abilene Christian University, both in and out of the classroom, was ranked as one of the nation’s best in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Here are some of the people and programs that make ACU’s student experience unique.


Service Learning: #11 in the nation

emily shafer in uganda

ACU’s mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, along with the proven benefits of service learning as a high-impact practice in higher education, has made service learning a signature feature of the ACU experience. A service learning component is incorporated in courses spanning all majors, and ACU’s Wildcat Academics on Mission program intentionally integrates mission and service with coursework. Read Emily’s full story.


First-Year Experience: #13 in the nation

first year experience includes candlelight devos

ACU’s innovative approach to student orientation ensures all new Wildcats and their families begin their journey with a comprehensive introduction to college life. They learn about campus through an online series leading up to a two-day on-campus summer orientation. Just before school starts, Wildcat Week immerses them in the academic, social and spiritual life of ACU, and connects them with student mentors. Read more about ACU’s First-Year Experience.


Learning Communities: #11 in the nation

richard beck in leipzig

ACU students find many opportunities to join learning communities, ranging from the Cornerstone seminar class for new students to cohort programs within specific majors that span a student’s collegiate career. Study abroad and global service learning trips enable students to participate in courses with the same cohort in an international setting. Learn more about the faculty-in-residence program at ACU.


Study Abroad: #36 in the nation

study abroad

By immersing in a new culture, ACU Study Abroad programs inspire students to build connections, discover new things about themselves and the world, and expand their perspective in a way that strengthens and deepens their faith and intellect.