Creighton University earned national recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, placing No. 117 among national universities and receiving top placements for undergraduate teaching, research and first-year experiences. 

The University ranked No. 39 for Best Undergraduate Teaching, No. 33 for First-Year Experiences and No. 44 for Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects. Creighton was also recognized as No. 56 among Most Innovative Schools, reflecting its continued national standing and emphasis on academic development, faculty mentorship and experiential learning.  

University president the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson said the rankings reflect the academic and personal growth students experience at Creighton.  

“These rankings affirm what our university community experiences every day. At Creighton, academic excellence and personal formation happen together. Students come here to grow intellectually, professionally and personally, and that transformation unfolds in classrooms, labs and conversations across campus,” Hendrickson said in a statement.  

Creighton Provost Mardell A. Wilson said the rankings also highlight the university’s Jesuit educational mission and student-centered approach.  

“These acknowledgments are a testament to Creighton’s distinctive Jesuit approach to education,” Wilson said in a university statement.  

She added that the university’s approach is rooted in care for the whole student and provides meaningful guidance beyond the classroom.  

“Rooted in cura personalis — care for the whole person — Creighton provides students with academic support, mentorship and meaningful experiences that shape students far beyond graduation,” Wilson said.  

Wilson said the rankings also reflect the university’s emphasis on faculty excellence and student-focused teaching.  

“Our U.S. News ranking at No. 39 affirms the university’s investment in supporting our faculty as outstanding educators. The Center for Faculty Excellence provides guidance, resources and professional development to strengthen teaching, scholarship and service. Smaller class sizes also allow students to build meaningful relationships with their professors. It’s special,” she said.  

She emphasized that these recognitions underscore Creighton’s high-impact educational experiences across the undergraduate journey.  

“These rankings reflect Creighton’s strong academic priorities and deep loyalty to student success by highlighting high‑impact experiences at every stage of the undergraduate journey. Recognition for Undergraduate Teaching, First-Year Experiences and Undergraduate Research underscores our emphasis on engaged instruction, mentoring and experiential learning that prepare students for long-term success,” Wilson said.  

The provost noted that such rankings confirm what the university sees in day-to-day student engagement.  

“The U.S. News and World Report Rankings serve as an external affirmation of what we at Creighton see every day: faculty who are deeply committed to their students’ success and students who rise to the challenge of learning with purpose. Education here is not just about knowledge gained, but about forming leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world,” Wilson said.  

University officials said Creighton’s educational model focuses on mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers and leadership. According to university data, more than 50% of Arts and Sciences students participate in undergraduate research, and 83% of undergraduate students complete internships, research or other experiential learning opportunities.  

Several undergraduate programs also received national recognition. Creighton’s College of Nursing ranked No. 40 nationally, placing it among the country’s top undergraduate nursing programs. In the Heider College of Business, undergraduate specialties in analytics, accounting and finance ranked No. 14, No. 17 and No. 18, respectively.  

Hendrickson said the university continues to invest in academic programs and campus development to strengthen student opportunities.  

“We are building on our Jesuit, Catholic foundation with great intention and a focus on the future. Our campus is undergoing one of its most dynamic updates in decades, and with new spaces and programs connecting disciplines, sparking collaboration and expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and research, we are deepening and personalizing the undergraduate experience,” Hendrickson said.  

Faculty mentorship remains central to Creighton’s academic environment, with professors working closely with students both in and outside the classroom.  

“Faculty are the driving force behind Creighton’s strength in teaching. Our professors are respected scholars and devoted mentors who invest deeply in our students’ success. They know their students by name and what motivates them. They collaborate on innovative research, open doors to internships and experiential learning and challenge them to use their talents in service of the greater good,” Hendrickson said.  

Students say those relationships contribute significantly to their academic experience. Jimmy Jimerson, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, said smaller class sizes allow professors to provide individualized support.  

“I guess it’s nice that the school is small enough the teachers actually know your name and can give you 1 v. 1 help, and it feels like the professors care about students on an individual level,” Jimerson said.  

Hendrickson said this individualized approach reflects Creighton’s broader mission to support students academically and personally.  

“I believe that as students experience what it means to engage meaningfully with a Jesuit education, they find a place where they belong. That individualized attention is central to who we are, and in a world defined by rapid change, that formation matters more than ever. Our graduates leave not only with professional competency, but as critical-thinkers, innovators and leaders,” Hendrickson said.  

While national rankings provide external recognition, Hendrickson emphasized that the university’s primary focus remains on student growth and development.  

“We exist for our students. Recognition like this is encouraging, and it reflects a growing national awareness of what makes Creighton distinctive. However, what matters most is that every person here is supported and encouraged to step out of their comfort zone so that when they graduate, they are prepared to serve others and live meaningful lives,” Hendrickson said.  

University officials said the rankings reflect Creighton’s continued commitment to academic excellence, mentorship and preparing students to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.