Dordt is a top 5 Midwest regional university, says U.S. News & World Report

Dordt University has once again climbed the charts—ranking fifth among Regional Universities (Midwest) in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges list.

Dordt also earned a fifth-place spot on the Best Value Schools list in the same category.

This marks the fourth consecutive year Dordt has moved up in the Regional Universities (Midwest) ranking, advancing from eighth two years ago to sixth last year and now into the top five.

“We are grateful for this recognition from U.S. News & World Report, which affirms the momentum we’re experiencing at Dordt," says Greg Van Dyke, vice president for admissions. "These rankings reflect what we see every day on campus—a community dedicated to equipping students not just for successful careers, but for lives of impact.”

Dordt President Erik Hoekstra agrees. “Being recognized by a respected organization like U.S. News & World Report is encouraging, but our focus remains clear: we exist to equip students to work for Christ-centered renewal in every area of life. Rankings like these are affirming, but ultimately, we’re here for Christ and to help our students plug into His Kingdom purpose.”

Hoekstra notes that he is particularly encouraged by Dordt’s strong first-to-second year retention rates, high graduation rates, and Pell Grant student success ratings, along with Dordt students’ comparatively low debt load. “Those metrics show that Dordt students are diligent in their studies, and institutionally Dordt is focused on their completion, satisfaction, and success after college,” he adds.

Dordt’s top-five placement puts it ahead of regional public universities such as University of Northern Iowa (#10) and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (#20 – tied), as well as Great Plains Athletic Conference peers like Northwestern College (#42 – tied).

As Dordt continues to grow, these rankings highlight the university's commitment to providing excellent, Christ-centered education that prepares students to be servant leaders in God's Kingdom.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.