“Now, more than ever, Flagler is on a forward trajectory. We’ve created stand-out academic programs, invested in our facilities, and hired top faculty to benefit our students,” Flagler College President John Delaney said. “This year’s U.S. News Rankings are a testament to the work being done by every employee on campus to push Flagler out front and ahead of the competition.”
Flagler achieved a #2 ranking in the Undergraduate Teaching Programs category, up from #5 last year. This category highlights institutions whose faculty and administrators are committed to high-quality undergraduate teaching. Flagler’s runner-up spot underscores its focus on fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment that empowers students to thrive beyond the classroom.
The College also made a nine-spot jump in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, ranking #43, and was once again recognized as a Best Value School, ranking #14 among peer institutions. The Best Value rankings are based on four weighted indicators: quality-to-price ratio, need-based aid, percentage of need-based aid recipients awarded scholarships or grants, and average discount.
Flagler has consistently been recognized for its value as a private college and its commitment to offering an exceptional education at an affordable cost, ensuring that students receive the best return on their investment. Additionally, the College’s significant strides in the social mobility category this year underscore Flagler’s commitment to providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to excel and succeed.
U.S. News defines regional colleges as institutions focused on undergraduate education, with its southern region encompassing Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
School rankings are determined largely by a formula that evaluates 17 areas of academic excellence, including graduation and retention rates, social mobility, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, and financial resources per student. Additionally, consideration is given to academic reputation as judged by peer leaders at colleges within the same regional grouping.
In August, Flagler College was also named one of the Best 390 Colleges and Best Regional Colleges by the Princeton Review in its 2025 guide.