On September 22, 2026, U.S. News & World Report announced its updated best college rankings for the 2026-27 school year. William Peace University achieved notable gains in several categories among Regional Colleges (South). Growth in two categories, combined with top rankings in two new categories, highlights Peace’s influence in the Triangle community and its distinctive qualities compared with similar colleges and universities in the region.
Peace achieved the following rankings in the Regional Colleges (South) category, based on data from the 2025-26 school year:
- #13: Overall Rank – Regional Colleges South (tie) [increase from #21 last year]
- #14: Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie) [increase from #20 last year]
- #2: Best Colleges for Veterans (new ranking)
- #11: Top Private Schools (tie) [new ranking]
“These results mirror what we are experiencing at Peace: growing enrollment, renewed energy across campus, and a stronger sense of the vital role we can play in Raleigh, the Research Triangle, and the state of North Carolina,” President Jennifer Walsh said. “Peace has a proud legacy of opening doors of opportunity through education, and today we are building on that legacy by providing an accessible, student-centered education featuring immersive learning in every course and mentoring that fosters meaningful career opportunities.”
Data-Driven Growth Trends
These rankings validate Peace’s current growth trajectory, especially its rise in the overall best colleges ranking. For the 2026-27 academic year, Peace reports 834 students enrolled, an increase of more than 7% from the previous year and the highest enrollment in six years. More students now feel welcomed at Peace’s historic downtown Raleigh campus and within the Peace community through Peace Online.
Peace’s new #2 ranking among the best colleges for veterans in the South reflects the University’s success with a key demographic. Supporting veterans will remain a central priority for Peace as the University explores new initiatives to integrate military-connected students into the campus community, in line with President Walsh’s strategic ambitions.
“Being recognized among the South’s best colleges for veterans is especially meaningful because it reflects a commitment that goes beyond enrollment,” President Walsh said. “Veterans and military-connected students and families deserve an educational experience that is flexible, personal, and focused on their success, and that kind of support is a defining part of the Peace experience.”
Peace’s seven-point gain in the “top performers on social mobility” category shows that Peace’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education is resonating across the region. Through two Peace Pathways partnerships, one with Wake Technical Community College and another with Durham Technical Community College, along with initiatives such as the Peace Pledge, the University has strengthened its commitment to student access by minimizing financial barriers wherever possible.
About the U.S. News Rankings
U.S. News & World Report has been producing college rankings since 1983. William Peace University has been ranked in the Regional Colleges (South) category since 2020.
The rankings are based on an extensive annual data survey of institutions and opinion surveys of university faculty and administrators. Specialized rankings help potential students find universities that best align with their goals and values and highlight the unique successes of individual institutions. Learn more about the methodology.
