Lipscomb University named a Best College by Money, receives four-star rating
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 2025 Best Colleges ratings. Lipscomb is one of only 732 colleges and universities nationwide and one of just 20 in Tennessee to earn a place on the prestigious list, which evaluates schools based on academic quality, affordability and post-graduation outcomes. Lipscomb is one of only 186 colleges and universities in the nation and one of six in Tennessee to receive a four-star rating. In addition to Lipscomb, other institutions receiving a four-star rating include Auburn University, Clemson University, Furman University, Gonzaga University, Ohio State University, Rhodes College, the University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
“Being named a ‘Best College’ by Money reflects the excellence of the Lipscomb experience, where rigorous academics and transformative experiences prepare students for lives of impact and purpose,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “This four-star rating is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the accomplishments of our students and our commitment to making a Christ-centered education accessible and valuable.”
Rather than a numerical ranking, Money uses a star-rating system to give families a more practical way to evaluate colleges. Schools are rated from two to five stars based on a detailed 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 about 30% 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 13th consecutive year.
- The College of Business was named one of the top 50 undergraduate business programs in the country by Poets&Quants for Undergrads for the ninth year in a row.
- Lipscomb ranked #13 Best Christian University in the nation by Niche.
- The university made its debut on the Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges in the U.S. list.
- Lipscomb was named one of the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For. Lipscomb is one of only 75 universities in the nation achieving this recognition, with only 2% of institutions across the country having this prestigious designation.
- Lipscomb’s Honors College was named an ACTA “Hidden Gem.”
- The animation program was recognized as the top in Tennessee and #13 in the nation.
- And most recently, Lipscomb was named a 2025-26 College of Distinction, a designation for institutions that demonstrate engaged teaching and student outcomes.