University of Montevallo Climbs in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges Rankings

September 24, 2025

Montevallo Ranked as U.S. News & World Report Best Value School in Alabama for Fifth Year in a Row

The University of Montevallo is proud to announce its continued rise in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, earning top-tier recognition in several key categories for 2026.

Montevallo climbed to No. 6 in Best Value Schools among Regional Universities in the South, maintaining its distinction as the only institution in Alabama to earn a top 10 ranking in this category for five consecutive years.

“As a trustee and alum, I could not be prouder of Montevallo’s continued rise in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings,” said UM Trustee Leroy Nix ’03, vice president of regulatory and public affairs at Entergy. “These achievements directly reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff, and most importantly, the success of our students. Montevallo truly does mean more – more opportunity, more value and more pathways to a stronger future.”

In another significant achievement, UM reached its highest-ever ranking in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, earning a top 30 spot in the South region — an impressive 17-place jump from last year. This category highlights colleges that successfully enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, underscoring the University’s commitment to educational equity.

UM continues to rank in the top 15 Top Public Universities in the Regional South and moved up to No. 22 in the overall Regional Universities in the South. The University also ranked in the top 10 Best Colleges for Veterans in the Regional South.

“We are so proud of how UM continues to rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings,” said UM Hon. Trustee Matt Fridy ’98, judge on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. “Achieving a top 10 position in the Best Value category, along with an overall top 15 position among all public regional universities in the South, demonstrates what those of us associated with UM have always known – that our faculty, administration and staff are among the best around and are committed to the success of our students and our university.”

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings evaluate institutions on a range of factors that reflect academic quality and student outcomes, including graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, financial value and peer assessments.

These results reinforce what the University’s new campaign proudly declares: Montevallo Means More — more value, more support and more pathways to success for every student.

Learn more about the University of Montevallo and its programs at montevallo.edu. Come discover for yourself why Montevallo means more at Preview Day – an interactive, welcoming event for interested high school and community college students – on Saturday, Nov. 8. Register at montevallo.edu/preview-day.