The University of Minnesota Crookston is once again on top of the U.S. News & World Report rankings, as they recently awarded #1 Top Public Schools (Regional Colleges Midwest) for 2026. UMN Crookston has been ranked in the top four consecutively for more than 25 years in that category.
Other notable 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings include #2 Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional Colleges Midwest), #11 Social Mobility (Regional Colleges Midwest), and #14 Regional Colleges (Midwest).
In the top regional college midwest rankings, UMN Crookston beat area schools Valley City State (#2), Lake Superior State (#3), Bismarck State College (#4), Dickinson State College (#6), and Mayville State (#7).
“We’re excited to be in the number one spot and continue our 25+ year presence in the annual report as one of the top public schools for regional colleges in the Midwest,” said Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause. “To be named the number two best college for veterans in the regional Midwest grouping is an honor and a testament to our continued commitment to our service members.”
UMN Crookston was also ranked by Niche for 2026 as the #3 Best Online College in America, plus #1 Best Online College in Minnesota, #1 Best College Dorms in Minnesota, and #1 Best Colleges for Business in Minnesota. Additionally, the campus received #2 rankings for Best Value Colleges in Minnesota, Best College Campuses in Minnesota, and Top Public Universities in Minnesota. UMN Crookston was ranked #1 Best Value College in Minnesota by Niche and SmartAsset for 2025.
“All these rankings are a reflection of the hard work our faculty and staff do each and every day, but our highest accolades come from the success of our students and alumni as they go out into the workforce,” added Holz-Clause.