September 22, 2026
For the second year in a row, US News and World Report ranked Ursuline College as #1 in Ohio for upward social mobility, and 6th overall among Regional Universities in the Midwest, up from 8th the previous year. When combined with its designation by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation as Northeast Ohio’s only Opportunity College for providing higher access and higher earnings, this latest accolade reinforces Ursuline’s commitment to long-term student success.
“Ursuline has a proven track record for providing high-quality, high-value education to those who might not otherwise have access,” states President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. “We are proud of the work that our students put in to earn their degrees and go on to make a positive impact both for their families and for Northeast Ohio. This ranking reflects their efforts.”
Additional 2027 US News Rankings
Overall, Ursuline College ranked 84th among Midwest Regional Universities and 12th in Ohio, and earned high marks in a new category, Top Private Colleges – Universities Regional Midwest, landing the 60th spot overall and 12th in the state.
In the Best Value Schools category for Regional Midwest Universities, Ursuline is in the top third of the region, ranking 36th overall and #8 among Ohio schools. Also worth noting, Ursuline claimed the top spot in Niche's 2027 Best Value Colleges in Ohio.
The Breen School of Nursing at Ursuline College, an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, continues to be recognized as a top nursing program in the country, this year ranking in the upper third among all programs nationwide for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing and tied for #6 in Ohio.
“Rankings like these bolster our reputation of excellence and fuel the growth we are seeing on campus,” explains Dr. Iwanenko. “Students are choosing Ursuline because they know they will be supported as they pursue academic success during their college career and professional success following graduation.”
The release of the new rankings precedes the finalization of Ursuline College’s merger with Gannon University, expected to be completed in Fall 2026.
“We’re looking forward to offering even more opportunities to our students as Ursuline begins its next chapter as part of the Gannon family,” adds Iwanenko.
