Rockhurst University Named a 2026-27 College of Distinction

Rockhurst University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-27 academic year, a designation reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate experience speaks for itself.

This award signifies a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. To compile its rankings, Colleges of Distinction conducts in-depth research and direct interviews with each institution, selecting only those whose campuses reflect a genuine, student-first philosophy.

Colleges of Distinction was founded on a belief that the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides, not its place in a numerical ranking. Rockhurst’s inclusion reflects a commitment to that measure. From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, students at Rockhurst are active participants in their own education, according to Colleges of Distinction.

The University also earned the College of Distinction designation in a number of special categories: as a Catholic institution, among Missouri institutions, and for the high quality of specific programs in business, education, engineering and nursing. Rockhurst was also named a College of Distinction for transfer students and as an affordable institution.

Rockhurst earned the College of Distinction honor for the 2025-26 academic year, as well.