Adrian College ranked No.1 Most Innovative Regional University (Midwest) by U.S. News & World Report
Posted Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Author: Mickey Alvarado
U.S. News & World Report has named Adrian College the No. 1 Most Innovative Regional University in the Midwest in its 2027 Best Colleges rankings, marking the third consecutive year the College has earned the top spot.
The report also listed Adrian College as No. 1 in Undergraduate Teaching - Regional Universities in the Midwest and tied for No. 60 in First-Year Experiences.
Beginning this year, Adrian College is being evaluated among Regional Universities (Midwest) rather than its previous classification as a Regional College (Midwest).
In the U.S. News & World Report methodology, a move from “Regional College” to “Regional University” does not represent a simple shift in ranking position, it reflects a structural evolution in an institution’s academic scope, degree offerings, and operational profile. U.S. News & World Report notes Regional Universities are institutions that offer a broader array of undergraduate programs along with a meaningful number of master’s degrees and professional programs, signaling expanded academic complexity and mission.
Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking said he is honored to see the College recognized once again by U.S. News & World Report.
“Being recognized as the No. 1 Most Innovative Regional College in the Midwest is an incredible honor and a reflection of Adrian College’s continued commitment to finding new and meaningful ways to serve our students,” Docking said. “To also be ranked No. 1 for Undergraduate Teaching speaks directly to the dedication of our faculty and the exceptional educational experience they provide. These recognitions demonstrate that we are preparing students to succeed not only in the classroom, but long after they leave Adrian College.”
The “Most Innovative” designation recognizes colleges and universities that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, students, campus life, technology or facilities. U.S. News & World Report asked leading academics in a peer assessment survey to name the institutions they consider the most innovative for the 2027 Best Colleges rankings. The survey was conducted in spring and summer 2026.
“Students today are looking for more than a degree; they want a college experience that challenges them academically, connects them to a community and gives them opportunities to grow,” said Frank Hribar, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs at Adrian College. “These rankings reflect the work Adrian College has done to bring those pieces together. From the classroom to the first-year experience and everything in between, we are intentional about creating an environment where students feel supported, get involved and make the most of their college experience.”
The Best Undergraduate Teaching rankings focus on schools whose faculty and administrators are committed to providing high-quality undergraduate teaching. College presidents, provosts and admissions deans who participated in the annual U.S. News peer assessment survey were asked to nominate up to 15 schools in their Best Colleges ranking category that demonstrate strength in undergraduate teaching.
“Our faculty are the foundation of the academic experience at Adrian College, and this recognition belongs to them,” said Andrea Milner, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Adrian College. “They bring tremendous expertise to their disciplines, but what makes them exceptional educators is the time and energy they invest in their students. Being recognized as No. 1 for Undergraduate Teaching speaks to the culture of mentorship, engagement and academic excellence they create across our campus.”
Adrian College is a traditional four-year residential institution offering a focused undergraduate education, traditional two-year master’s programs and advanced 3+2 master’s programs. The college offers 110 undergraduate programs, 19 graduate programs, six pre-professional programs and 99 minors and certificates, with a 15-to-1 student-faculty ratio. Adrian College has 53 sports teams and 10 institutes dedicated to a diverse and personalized approach to education. The college features state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes and an innovative approach to students’ academic and personal growth.
To see how Adrian College compares with other institutions and how the rankings were calculated, visit usnews.com.
