Queens University of Charlotte Makes the Top 10 for the First Time

Queens University of Charlotte advanced six places and is now recognized as a top 10 regional university in the south according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best College rankings released today. Queens rose to the No. 9 spot among 136 universities in the southern region.

U.S. News & World Report, which Inside Higher Ed called “the giant of college rankings in the United States,” provides 50 different categories that rank colleges and universities. The most heavily weighted metric in the overall rankings is student outcomes, measured by retention, graduation, and employment rates. The university’s strategic framework emphasizes support for students in every aspect – from academic scholarship and internships to health and wellness. Even as the nation navigated the challenges of a global pandemic, 96 percent of Queens students were employed or in graduate school soon after graduation.

Among undergraduate business schools, the McColl School of Business, where two-thirds of undergraduates have job offers even before they graduate, made a significant jump to 6th place among regional universities in the south – up from 22nd last year.

The undergraduate nursing program within the Presbyterian School of Nursing remains in the top 20, coming in 19th among regional universities in the south.

The entrepreneurial and inclusive work at the university was also recognized as Queens ranked 16th in the “most innovative schools” category, 23rd in best value – up from 26th last year, and 25th in best schools for veterans – up from 29th last year.

With strong support from its alumni body, Queens placed 8th in the nation among all regional universities in alumni giving and 4th among regional universities in the south.

“Queens is on an amazing trajectory,” said Dan Lugo, president of Queens University of Charlotte. “We’ve got an extraordinary community of faculty and staff who are committed to providing a world-class education to our students in a diverse and inclusive environment. We have the support and encouragement of our alumni in the direction we’re headed, and we have momentum and support from our incredible board. Rankings or no rankings, we will continue to do what we’ve been doing throughout our 165-year history – provide an exceptional education for highly motivated and talented students who we know will become leaders and contributors in the Charlotte community.”

To see the complete listing of the Best Regional Universities rankings, visit the U.S. News & World Report website.