Lipscomb named 2025-26 College of Distinction
Office of Public Relations & Communications |
Lipscomb University has once again been recognized nationally for its excellence and for being a leader in higher education as it has been named a 2025-26 College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.
Lipscomb is among about 370 universities across the country named a College of Distinction for the 2025-26 academic year, marking its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes. Other institutions receiving this designation include Auburn University, the University of Southern California, Georgia Institute of Technology, Wheaton College, Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia among others.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’s unique evaluating criteria known as the “Four Distinctions” — Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives. As a College of Distinction, Lipscomb has shown excellence in each of these areas, providing its students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose.
“Lipscomb University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.”
Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact, said Schritter. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. Lipscomb’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
“We’ve never believed in ranking schools,” Schritter continued. “Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. Lipscomb University stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people.”
In addition to the overall institutional honor, Lipscomb was also recognized as a College of Distinction in the areas of business, education, engineering, nursing and career development. It was also named a Tennessee College of Distinction.
Colleges of Distinction is a nationally recognized, web-based guide for high school juniors and seniors who are in the college search process. Colleges and universities are nominated for participation by high school counselors, and then evaluated using qualitative and quantitative research. From these nominations, Colleges of Distinction picked a selection of top schools that are “well equipped to provide a personalized education catered to students’ interests” according to a release by the organization.
This is the latest national recognition Lipscomb University has received in recent months. In the fall, Lipscomb was ranked the #13 Best Christian College in the 2025 Niche Ranking. In addition, Lipscomb made its debut on the Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges in the U.S. list, the undergraduate business program was named among the top 50 in the nation for the ninth consecutive year and the top in Tennessee by Poets&Quants, the animation program was ranked the top in Tennessee and No. 13 in the nation, the College of Education was among top Tennessee teacher prep programs in state report card for 13th straight year and the Honors College was named an ACTA Hidden Gem.