Lee University has once again been ranked in the upper tier among the best universities in the South by 2025 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges.  
  
This year Lee was ranked #29, up two spots from last year, in “Regional Universities (South)” category, which includes both public and private universities.  
  
In addition to the main ranking, Lee reappears as number six in the top 55 “Best Value Schools” ranking. To determine which colleges met the “Best Value Schools” criteria, academic quality and cost were both considered.  
  
“I am proud to see Lee University’s continued recognition in U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings, especially with our rise among Regional Universities in the South and among Best Value Schools,” said Elizabeth Pace, director of undergraduate admissions. “These achievements reflect our commitment to academic excellence and affordability.”  
  
Lee also reappears in two other specialty rankings: “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” and “Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs.”  
  
The “Top Performers on Social Mobility” criteria assessed a school’s graduation rate of economically disadvantaged students. The ranking factors were accumulated by assessing graduation rates of Pell-awarded students and, for the National Universities ranking only, first-generation students.  
  
The criteria for “Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs” listing considered institutions with a baccalaureate-level program accredited either by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The schools were ranked based on the peer-assessed quality of the programs.  
  
“Lee has enjoyed a steady rise in these very popular rankings,” said Lee President Dr. Paul Conn. “It validates what lots of students and their families already know – that we offer a top-notch education, in a terrific environment, at a competitive price.” 
  
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information of the institutions and data on factors such as outcome measures – including graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduate earnings.  
  
Founded in 1933, U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders, and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting communities and individual lives. A multifaceted digital media company, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice, and U.S. News Live events.   
 
For more information and a full list of the rankings, visit www.usnews.com/best-colleges.