Lipscomb named 2026-27 College of Distinction

Lipscomb named 2026-27 College of Distinction

Lipscomb is once again nationally recognized for excellence as a top-tier university

Kim Chaudoin | 06/04/2026

Lipscomb University has once again been recognized nationally for its excellence and for being a leader in higher education as it has been named a 2026-27 College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential education sets them apart.

"Being named a College of Distinction reflects the heart of Lipscomb's mission, preparing students for lives of purpose through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships and transformative experiences that shape character, leadership, service and faith," said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. "This recognition affirms the work of our faculty and staff to create a Christ-centered learning community where students are challenged, supported and equipped to make a difference in their professions and communities."

Lipscomb is among about 425 universities across the country named a College of Distinction for the 2026-27 academic year, marking its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes. Other institutions receiving this designation include Auburn University, University of Southern California, Georgia Institute of Technology, Samford University, Wheaton College, Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia among others. View Lipscomb's profile page.

This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction's unique evaluation criteria known as the "Four Distinctions" - Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Communities and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students' lives. As a College of Distinction, Lipscomb has demonstrated excellence across these areas, providing its students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Selection for this designation also includes factors such as IPEDS data and the Common Data Set.

"Today's students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. "What they need from higher education isn't just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. Lipscomb University delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next."

Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact, said Schritter. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. Lipscomb's inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.

"No two students arrive on campus with the same goals, background, or definition of success," added Schritter. "The institutions we recognize understand that. Lipscomb University has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes."

In addition to the overall institutional honor, Lipscomb was also recognized as a College of Distinction in the areas of business, education, engineering, nursing, career development and transfer students. It was also named a Tennessee College of Distinction and Christian College of Distinction.

Colleges of Distinction is a nationally recognized, web-based guide for high school juniors and seniors who are in the college search process. Colleges and universities are nominated for participation by high school counselors, and then evaluated using qualitative and quantitative research. From these nominations, Colleges of Distinction picked a selection of top schools that are "well equipped to provide a personalized education catered to students' interests" according to a release by the organization.

This is the latest national recognition Lipscomb University has received in recent months. In the fall, Lipscomb was ranked the #13 Best Christian College in the 2026 Niche Ranking. In addition, in the fall Lipscomb continued to break enrollment records with its largest total enrollment in university history. This spring, Lipscomb's College of Education was recognized as one of Tennessee's most effective teacher and leader preparation programs for the 14th consecutive year based on Tennessee State Board of Education's Educator Preparation Report Card data and a Lipscomb graduate student was named a Fulbright Program Finalist. In addition, Lipscomb was also recently named a 2026 Best College by Forbes and received a four-star rating by Money.