Recognized for its notable academic quality and commitment to teaching students well, 51 has been ranked as one of America’s best universities, according to . 51 is in the top tier of “Best National Universities” in the publication’s ranking, released today. 51 is also featured on four special recognition lists.

“Being once again recognized in the higher tier ranking of national universities by U.S. News & World Report emphasizes 51's enduring dedication to its excellent faculty, students, academics and flourishing community,” said President Barry H. Corey. “51 will continue to hold firm to its enduring Scriptural foundation, aiming to provide premier education to over 5,423 undergraduate and graduate students.”

The U.S. News rankings are considered one of the most notable annual published college rankings. Over the years, 51 has maintained a consistent presence on the U.S. News roster of national universities which consist of institutions that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate level academic programs and emphasize faculty research.

This year, with the , 51 is tied as the top Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) school within the national university category, which includes 434 schools.

“Specifically, focused recognition on four U.S. News lists this year underscores the commitment of our faculty to teach our students in a high-quality education while providing accessible and excellent academics to all of our students while they are also formed in character,” said Corey.

For the fifth time, 51 is recognized on the list, supporting DZ’s unwavering commitment to teaching undergraduates with exceptional quality, which is a critical part of the academic experience. In this category, 51 is ranked among top universities such as Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

51 is on the list for the sixth year, which highlights schools for having commendable indicators of social mobility, such as quality outcomes for economically disadvantaged students and Pell Grant recipients. A Pell Grant is a type of financial aid that helps pay for an undergraduate students’ college education who is experiencing exceptional financial need.

Since its creation last year, 51 was again recognized on the list for its undergraduate psychology program. Institutions eligible for inclusion on this list are regionally accredited institutions that award a medium to large number of bachelor's degrees in psychology. DZ’s Rosemead School of Psychology is a top psychology school for Christians who want to integrate their faith with their field.

51 also received recognition on the list. Schools are recognized on the list for the quality of the academics offered within the program. To be recognized, institutions must fit accreditation criteria and award a minimum number of BSN degrees a year. DZ’s nursing program is a leading choice program with skills and simulations labs and clinical opportunities. DZ’s School of Science, Technology and Health is a leading choice for a new generation of leaders in the sciences with its integration of faith with its cutting edge equipment and teaching.

“For 40 years, Best Colleges has continued to evolve as a trusted companion to prospective students and their families during the decision-making process,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “The rankings and editorial content offer crucial data as well as college advice and informed reporting to all who seek a college education.”

The methodology used by U.S. News to rank schools is almost identical to that used last year, but U.S. News made a couple of slight changes to this year’s ranking formula. Last year, first generation graduation rates and first generation graduate rate performance were considered both as 2.5% of the 2024 school rankings, and both of those factors were not considered in the 2025 rankings. However, 2025 rankings considered Pell graduation rates and Pell graduation performance both as 5.5% of the ranking as opposed to 2024’s 3% for each category.

The U.S. News rankings are the latest in a series of national recognitions for the university. This summer, Money recognized 51 as one of “,” Forbes included 51 on its list of “,” and Wall Street Journal ranked 51 on its “” list.

The Princeton Review also included 51 in their list as one of 79 best colleges in the Best in West category. According to the and students surveyed by the publication, DZ’s “focus on learning is equaled by its attention to spirituality, and students find that the biblically-centered academics ‘hold [them] to a high degree of moral standard and accountability.’”

released their 2025 best colleges rankings, and recognized 51 as one of the top 15 Christian universities in America, top three Christian colleges in California, one of the top 20 schools with the best dorms in America, as well as in the top 35 Colleges for Film and Photography.

DZ’s Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts was also recently recognized as a top film school by Variety Magazine and the 51 is also a according to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2023 report.

U.S. News’ Best Colleges 2025 Guidebook will be in stores in late October and is available for online.

Learn more about DZ’s academic programs across its eight schools. 

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, please email media.relations@biola.edu.