Elmhurst University Achieves High Rankings in U.S. News 2026 Report

Elmhurst University has received notable recognition in the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. The institution is ranked as the No. 3 school in the Midwest for Top Performers in Social Mobility and holds the No. 7 position overall among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest. This category includes a total of 161 colleges and universities spanning 12 states, with Elmhurst being the only university from Illinois to secure a spot in the top 15.

In addition to its overall rankings, Elmhurst University has achieved third place in the Best Colleges for Veterans category and is ranked 14th for Best Value in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings. These findings were published on September 23, 2023, as part of the annual effort to assist prospective students and their families in comparing undergraduate programs across the United States.

Understanding the Rankings and Their Significance

The U.S. News & World Report evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to assess academic quality and graduate success. The Top Performers for Social Mobility category specifically recognizes institutions that excel in advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating a significant number of economically disadvantaged students. At Elmhurst, more than half of the undergraduate population are first-generation college students, and nearly all receive some form of financial aid.

The rankings for Best Colleges for Veterans highlight schools that facilitate affordable education for veterans and active-duty service members. Elmhurst University has made significant strides in this area, aided by a $3.4 million gift that supports veteran and military students on campus. This funding is also aimed at promoting science, technology, and mathematics majors, steering students towards potential careers in national security and defense.

Defining Best Value in Education

The Best Value Schools rankings take into account a school’s academic quality, as determined by its standing in the 2026 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, alongside the net cost of attendance for an out-of-state student receiving average need-based scholarship or grant aid for the 2024-25 academic year. The balance of high academic quality and lower costs is what contributes to the perceived value of an educational institution.

Elmhurst University’s performance in these rankings underscores its commitment to providing an accessible and high-quality education for its diverse student body. As more students seek institutions that can offer both academic excellence and financial support, Elmhurst’s recognition in these categories positions it as a strong contender in the higher education landscape.