Best Midwest Regional Colleges

The U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges 2015” ranking offers a comprehensive analysis of regional colleges across the United States, categorizing them by geographic location, institutional mission, affordability, student success, and other performance metrics. The Midwest region represents a dynamic and diverse grouping of colleges that emphasize academic excellence, affordability, and service-oriented learning. Among the top performers in the Midwest are Taylor University, Ohio Northern University, Augustana College, College of the Ozarks, the University of Mount Union, and Morningside College. These institutions illustrate the diversity and strengths of higher education in the Midwest, combining affordability, academic quality, student success rates, and specialized programs to meet the needs of their students.

At the top of the list is Taylor University, which was ranked No. 1 among all Midwest regional colleges in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 ranking. Taylor University has distinguished itself by combining academic excellence with a focus on service and faith-based education, serving students who prioritize community involvement, intellectual development, and spiritual growth. As the number one institution in the Midwest, Taylor University has earned recognition for its rigorous academic programs, excellent student outcomes, and commitment to cultivating a supportive and engaged learning environment. Taylor’s ranking reflects its success in providing undergraduate students with the tools and opportunities to excel in their academic and personal pursuits.

Following closely behind is Ohio Northern University, which secured the second spot in the Midwest regional college rankings. Ohio Northern University is a distinguished institution with a long history of excellence in higher education. Having consistently appeared in the top 10 of the U.S. News & World Report’s Midwest Regional College rankings for the past 23 years, Ohio Northern has solidified its reputation as a leader in providing students with access to outstanding academic programs and opportunities. Of note, Ohio Northern has remained in the top 5 of these rankings for 10 of the past 11 years, a testament to its consistent quality, commitment to student success, and dedication to providing an affordable education for its students. Ohio Northern’s focus on academic rigor and career preparation has allowed it to maintain a strong presence in the Midwest’s competitive higher education landscape.

Augustana College follows as the third-ranked institution in the Midwest regional colleges. Augustana College has positioned itself as a leader in affordability and academic quality, achieving the No. 3 spot in the 2015 rankings. Additionally, Augustana was ranked the No. 2 regional college in the Midwest in terms of “best value,” showcasing its commitment to affordability and accessibility for students. This recognition highlights the institution’s dedication to providing an exceptional college education at a price that makes it attainable for many students. Augustana’s focus on value is reflective of its student-centered approach, emphasizing affordability while maintaining strong academic standards and opportunities for extracurricular involvement.

Another standout institution is College of the Ozarks, which earned the fourth spot as the Best Regional College in the Midwest in the 2015 rankings. College of the Ozarks is unique not only for its high academic performance but also for its affordability, as it was ranked No. 1 for “Best Value in the Midwest” and for having “Students with Least Debt.” This emphasis on affordability is integral to the institution’s mission, as it offers students an opportunity to attend college without accumulating large amounts of debt, thanks to its innovative work-study programs and financial aid opportunities. Beyond affordability, the College of the Ozarks was also recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, earning the distinction of being the No. 1 institution in this category. Furthermore, the College of the Ozarks was the only institution to appear on the Service Learning-Program to Look For List, emphasizing its commitment to community engagement and service learning opportunities. These accolades reflect the College of the Ozarks' strong focus on academic success, affordability, and community engagement.

The University of Mount Union is another distinguished institution that has consistently proven its excellence in higher education. Ranked 11th among Midwest Regional Colleges, the University of Mount Union’s inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 rankings marks its 24th consecutive year as part of the report. This longstanding recognition is a testament to Mount Union’s commitment to academic excellence, student support, and community engagement. Over its decades of operation, the University of Mount Union has continued to focus on providing students with opportunities for academic growth, career preparation, and personal development. Its continued inclusion in the rankings highlights its role as a strong institution in the Midwest that prioritizes both quality academics and student success.

Morningside College rounds out this discussion as the 23rd-ranked institution out of 95 regional colleges in the Midwest. Morningside College has earned the distinction of being recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the eleventh consecutive year as one of the Midwest’s “Best Colleges.” This achievement speaks to the college’s consistency, academic excellence, and focus on student success. Morningside College has earned a reputation for its strong undergraduate programs, extracurricular opportunities, and student-centered approach, all of which contribute to its continued standing among the region’s top higher education institutions. This recognition underscores the importance of maintaining academic rigor and personalized support to ensure positive outcomes for students.

These institutions collectively represent the strength and diversity of the Midwest’s higher education system. They are institutions of choice for students because of their affordability, commitment to undergraduate teaching, emphasis on value, and student success outcomes. Taylor University’s position as the number one institution highlights its academic quality and focus on holistic development, while Ohio Northern University’s long history of excellence and consistent ranking performance demonstrates its dedication to providing students with the skills and tools they need for successful careers. Augustana College stands out for its emphasis on affordability and value, which enables students to access quality education without facing high financial burdens. Likewise, the College of the Ozarks’ reputation as a leader in financial affordability, community service, and undergraduate teaching demonstrates its innovative approach to higher education.

The University of Mount Union exemplifies academic consistency and its ability to support students through personalized learning and innovative programs. Meanwhile, Morningside College, through its continued inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, represents the best aspects of regional education by emphasizing teaching, student engagement, and strong academic opportunities.

These institutions’ high rankings reflect their ability to balance affordability, academic rigor, and commitment to student success. From innovative work-study programs and community service opportunities to exceptional undergraduate instruction and career-focused programs, these regional colleges are preparing their students for leadership, career success, and personal growth. They also emphasize smaller class sizes, which ensure that students receive individualized attention and the guidance needed to achieve their goals.

In conclusion, the U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 rankings demonstrate that the Midwest continues to foster a strong and competitive higher education system. Institutions like Taylor University, Ohio Northern University, Augustana College, the College of the Ozarks, the University of Mount Union, and Morningside College exemplify the region’s commitment to affordability, service learning, academic quality, and student success. These institutions are a testament to the innovative spirit and dedication to excellence that define higher education in the Midwest. Their rankings are more than just numbers—they represent the success of thousands of students and their efforts to build brighter futures through quality higher education.