FHU Earns Three Spots in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings

HENDERSON, Tenn., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Freed-Hardeman University has earned recognition in three categories of the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including No. 4 for Best Value Regional University in the South, No. 18 among Top Private Schools in the South and No. 35 (tied) among Regional Universities in the South. Full rankings for U.S. News Best Colleges may be found at usnews.com/best-colleges.

“We’re grateful for this recognition from U.S. News & World Report and are especially grateful for the people who make these accomplishments possible,” FHU President Keith Harris said. “Every day, our faculty and staff invest in our students through excellent teaching and a shared commitment to faith. We’re proud to offer students an education that challenges them academically and prepares them to make a difference wherever God leads them.”

The Best Value ranking recognizes institutions that combine academic quality with affordability. U.S. News determines Best Value rankings by considering a university’s overall academic quality alongside the net cost of attendance for an out-of-state student receiving average need-based financial aid. The methodology is designed to identify colleges and universities that provide strong educational outcomes at a reasonable cost.

Freed-Hardeman’s latest U.S. News recognition comes as the university continues to see strong indicators of student success. The university’s 89% fall-to-fall retention rate reflects the percentage of students who return to FHU for another year of study, while its five-year graduation rate reached an all-time high of 71%.

For the 2026-27 academic year, FHU saw a 5% increase in new students. Full-time undergraduate enrollment increased by 3% while graduate enrollment saw 13% growth, and the university welcomed a record number of international students representing more than 20 countries.

Together, the U.S. News rankings and student-success measures reflect FHU’s commitment to providing students with an education grounded in Christian faith, academic excellence and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

U.S. News & World Report evaluates colleges and universities using a range of measures related to academic quality, student outcomes, faculty resources, financial resources, student selectivity and other factors. The Best Colleges rankings are designed to help prospective students and families compare institutions based on factors important to their college search.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

SOURCE Freed-Hardeman University