Lipscomb University named among nation’s best in TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges ranking
Lipscomb is one of only two Nashville universities included in inaugural national ranking
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University’s growing national reputation has earned another distinction as the university has been named to TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges list. The 2026-27 ranking placed Lipscomb among 500 colleges and universities across the country recognized for student outcomes, learning environment and value.
Released Aug. 25, the new ranking was developed by TIME in partnership with Statista, a global data and business intelligence firm, to identify U.S. institutions that provide strong value for their students. Lipscomb is one of only eight Tennessee colleges and universities included on the list and one of just two in Nashville, joining Vanderbilt University.
“This recognition by TIME is another meaningful affirmation of the tremendous momentum at Lipscomb and, more importantly, of the value our students receive from a Lipscomb education,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “We are especially encouraged that student outcomes carry significant weight in this ranking because our focus is not simply on helping students earn a degree, but on preparing them holistically to thrive in their careers, contribute to their communities and to live lives of purpose.”
TIME and Statista evaluated eligible four-year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities using a quantitative analysis centered on three areas: student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness to prospective students. Student outcomes account for 75% of an institution’s overall score and include graduate earnings, graduation rates and return on education, which measures the financial payoff of a degree relative to its cost. Learning environment accounts for 15% and considers factors such as student-to-faculty ratio, institutional expenditures per student and diversity. The remaining 10% measures attractiveness, based on admissions and enrollment yield data.
The methodology places particular emphasis on the value an institution contributes to student success. For example, TIME and Statista’s measures of graduate earnings and graduation outcomes seek to account for characteristics of an institution’s incoming students to better assess the university’s contribution to those results. The ranking uses data primarily from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard, as well as U.S. Census Bureau data. The 500 institutions earning the highest overall scores were included in the final ranking.
The TIME recognition is the latest in a series of national accolades for Lipscomb as the university continues to strengthen its reputation as a top-tier, nationally recognized Christian university.
Lipscomb is ranked the No. 13 Christian university in the nation by Niche and earned a four-star rating in Money’s 2026 Best Colleges for the second consecutive year. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, Lipscomb climbed 22 places among National Universities. The university also has been named a 2026-27 College of Distinction, was included in Forbes’ 2026 Top Colleges rankings and was recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for excellence in serving transfer students for the 10th consecutive year.
The national recognition comes as Lipscomb begins the 2026-27 academic year with continued enrollment momentum. First-day enrollment for the fall semester reached 4,843 students, the largest Day 1 enrollment in university history. Graduate enrollment exceeded 1,800 students for the first time, and the university also recorded increases in several measures of student retention. Combined with more than 1,400 students at Lipscomb Academy, nearly 6,250 students are being served across the Lipscomb community this fall.
Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb University is a Christ-centered community that is one of the few institutions in the nation offering educational pathways from age two through the doctoral level. Students can begin their journey at Lipscomb Academy’s SEED School and continue through a full spectrum of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs—making Lipscomb a unique two-year-old to Ph.D. institution. Founded in 1891, Lipscomb is deeply embedded in the Middle Tennessee community, committed to shaping lives of character, leadership and service. Its rigorous academic programs are paired with life-transforming experiences, all guided by a mission to prepare students for lives of purpose. For more information, visit www.lipscomb.edu.