Concordia University, Nebraska recognized in the top 35 schools on the U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings

Concordia University, Nebraska continues its climb up the “Best Regional Universities—Midwest” category of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings. In the 2020 edition, Concordia Nebraska is ranked No. 33 out of more than 150 universities listed in its category, an increase of 21 spots in the last seven years.

Concordia has been ranked in the top tier of the annual report for 17 consecutive years, and is the second-highest-ranked Nebraska university in its category. Criteria evaluated in the U.S. News rankings include academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity and alumni support.

For the fourth year in a row, Concordia appears on the Best Value Schools list compiled by U.S. News & World Report, maintaining its top-15 ranking in the Midwest region at No. 14. This list takes into account “a school’s academic quality, as indicated by its 2020 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, and the 2018-2019 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.” U.S. News ranked only schools in or near the top half of their categories, considering “the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically.”

“Concordia continues to thrive in providing an academically excellent education in our Christ-centered community,” said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, Concordia president. “It is an honor to be recognized nationally for both the quality and overall value of our academic programs, students, faculty, staff and alumni. Each contributes to the Concordia experience here, and in life, as evidenced by our 98% placement rate. We celebrate the university’s highest ranking to date and appreciate all who have served diligently to make our top-tier ranking a reality.”

An institution classified as a regional university provides a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs. Concordia Nebraska offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and programs, as well as master’s degrees in multiple areas, including education, public health, human services and business administration.

Concordia Nebraska continues to be the highest-ranked higher education institution in the Concordia University System, which comprises eight colleges and universities affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Concordia is also the highest-ranked school in the Great Plains Athletic Conference in the “Best Regional Universities—Midwest” category.

In addition, Concordia once again also earned a place on the list of A+ Schools for B Students. The A+ Schools for B Students list identifies schools that “admit a meaningful proportion of applicants whose test scores and class standing put them in non-A territory,” according to U.S. News & World Report. The publication says the schools on the list give non-A students a “shot at being accepted and thriving” and encourages students looking at these schools to display their individuality and seriousness of purpose as they apply.

“Honors like the U.S. News & World Report ranking demonstrate the value of a private education at Concordia,” said Aaron Roberts, director of admissions at Concordia Nebraska. “Our commitment to providing financial aid to 100% of students, combined with the quality academic programs and enriching Christ-centered support that Concordia provides, ensures our students get the best value possible from their college experience.”

Complete rankings from U.S. News & World Report are available online at usnews.com/colleges. The print edition of the “Best Colleges 2020” guidebook will be available through retail outlets later this month.