For the 16th consecutive year, Cedar Crest College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026-2027 rankings, earning recognition across several categories, including social mobility, regional universities, private colleges, and nursing.
Published annually, the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings provide prospective students and their families with comparative information about undergraduate programs at colleges and universities across the country. The rankings offer detailed information on the institutions and data on factors such as graduation rates, graduate indebtedness, and post-graduate earnings.
In the 2026-2027 edition, Cedar Crest was recognized in the following categories:
- #36 in Top Performers of Social Mobility
- Top 100 in Best Regional Universities in the North
- Top 100 in Top Private Universities in the North
- Top 60% in Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
Cedar Crest’s graduate programs also earned recognition in the U.S. News graduate rankings, including:
- Nursing-Anesthesia
- Occupational Therapy
“Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the 16th consecutive year is a reflection of the continued momentum at Cedar Crest College and the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said President Elizabeth Meade. “Our historic enrollment growth, new academic programs, investments in innovative learning spaces, and commitment to student success demonstrate the many ways Cedar Crest is evolving to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce. We are proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the work happening every day to ensure our students have the knowledge, experiences, and support they need to thrive.”
Cedar Crest is experiencing historic enrollment growth, including its largest fall entering cohort in its 159-year history. This growth is complemented by new initiatives and investments designed to expand opportunities for students and meet the evolving needs of the workforce.
These investments include the groundbreaking of the Elaine & John Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology, an innovative learning environment where students will develop the technological and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The Center will also provide a space where businesses and organizations can gather to strengthen their approaches to technology strategy and workforce development.
The College also launched ADVANCE at Cedar Crest earlier this year, a professional learning initiative designed for working adults, and recently introduced its newest doctoral program, the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (xDBA), expanding opportunities for professionals seeking to advance their careers and leadership expertise.
This momentum is aligned with Cedar Crest’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, Begin the Journey, which commits the College to serving diverse people across their lifespans, becoming the college partner of choice for employers across the region, and providing exceptional support and flexibility so that students feel seen and valued as individuals.