Lipscomb named a Best College by Money, receives four-star rating for second consecutive year
Recognition highlights academic quality, affordability and student outcomes among top factors
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University has once again been recognized for its exceptional value and student success with a four-star rating in Money magazine’s 2026 Best Colleges ratings. Lipscomb is one of only 161 colleges and universities nationwide—and one of four in Tennessee—to receive four stars. The prestigious list evaluates how well institutions perform relative to their peers based on metrics including academic quality, affordability and post-graduation outcomes.
“Being named a ‘Best College’ by Money affirms that a Lipscomb education delivers lasting value for students and their families,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “Our students are challenged academically, supported personally and formed through a Christ-centered experience that prepares them to thrive in their careers, serve their communities and live with purpose. Earning a four-star rating for the second consecutive year reflects the meaningful outcomes our graduates achieve and the commitment of our entire community to their success.”
This marks the second consecutive year that Lipscomb has received a four-star rating. Other institutions receiving four stars include Auburn University, Clemson University, Furman University, Kansas State University and the University of the South.
Lipscomb was one of only four Tennessee universities to earn a four-star rating. It received a higher rating than Middle Tennessee State University, Rhodes College and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which each earned 3.5 stars, as well as Belmont University and Union University, which each received three stars.
Rather than assigning numerical rankings, Money uses a star-rating system designed to give families a practical way to evaluate colleges. Schools receive ratings ranging from two to five stars based on an analysis of more than 25 data points grouped into three core categories: quality of education (30%), affordability (40%) and outcomes (30%).
To be considered for the list, schools had to meet rigorous standards, including enrolling at least 500 undergraduate students, demonstrating financial stability and achieving graduation rates at or above the national median. Only 735 of the more than 2,400 eligible four-year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities were selected for the list, according to Money.com.
Lipscomb’s four-star rating reflects strong performance in areas such as graduation rates, value-added outcomes, affordability for low- and middle-income families, and alumni earnings after graduation. Money also factors in student loan repayment rates and economic mobility, which are key indicators of a university’s return on investment for students.
This recognition is the latest accolade for Lipscomb University. In the past year alone:
- The College of Education was ranked among the top teacher preparation programs in Tennessee for the 14th consecutive year.
- Lipscomb ranked #13 among the nation's Best Christian Universities by Niche.
- Lipscomb’s undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs have been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for their rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading to elementary students, earning top marks in the organization’s 2026 report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation.
- This spring Lipscomb University graduate student Claire Edmondson was named a finalist for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program and will travel to Athens, Greece, this fall to serve as an English Teaching Assistant.
- The animation program’s Bachelor of Arts in animation was recognized as the top in Tennessee and #13 in the nation by the 2026 Animation Career Review.
- And most recently, Lipscomb was named a 2026-27 College of Distinction, a designation for institutions that demonstrate engaged teaching and student outcomes.
Read more about Money’s 2026 Best Colleges ratings here.