Some of the South’s Top Regional Universities Are Right Here In South Carolina...
In the latest U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, Bob Jones University landed in the top 25 among regional universities.
Located in Greenville, BJU ranked 4th for Best Value and 4th for Social Mobility — a category that highlights the graduation rates of students awarded federal Pell Grants.
According to the university, about 43% of BJU students receive federal Pell Grants. And in the Class of 2025, 65% graduated without any federal debt.
University President Dr. Bruce McAllister says the consistent national rankings reflect, quote, "the strength, affordability, and lasting value of a BJU education."
Five other private Christian colleges in South Carolina also made the list, including Anderson University, North Greenville University, Columbia International, Southern Wesleyan, and Charleston Southern.
Click HERE to read more about BJU's ranking.
Full press release below from Bob Jones University:
Bob Jones University Maintains Strong Standing in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Rankings
Tuesday, September 23, 2025In its 2026 Best College Rankings, U.S. News & World Report again recognized Bob Jones University as one of the Best Regional Universities in the South.
Additionally, U.S. News recognized BJU in other major categories including:
Best Value Regional University in the South: 4
Top Performers on Social Mobility among Regional Universities in the South: 4* (tied with Southern Wesleyan University (SC) and West Liberty University (WV))
Among Regional Universities in the South, BJU is the highest-ranked university for Best Value in the Carolinas.
“Our mission has always been to equip students for meaningful impact in their careers and communities,” said BJU President Dr. Bruce McAllister. “The consistency of our national rankings highlights the strength, affordability and lasting value of a BJU education.”
Among the Best Regional Universities in the South rankings, six private Christian colleges in South Carolina were ranked including:
Bob Jones University (23),
Anderson University (31),
North Greenville University (42),
Columbia International University (45),
Southern Wesleyan University (64), and
Charleston Southern University (70).
Five South Carolina universities were ranked in the top 20 Best Value Regional Universities in the South including:
BJU (4),
The Citadel (5),
Converse University (8),
Columbia International University (17), and
Francis Marion University (20).
The Best Value ranking is a measure of both academic quality and cost.
Additionally, six South Carolina universities were listed in the top 20 performers for Social Mobility Among Regional Universities in the South including:
Bob Jones University (4*),
Southern Wesleyan University (4*),
Columbia International University (7),
Converse College (12),
Winthrop University (15), and
Columbia College (17).
This ranking recognizes the graduation rates of students awarded federal Pell Grants.
Approximately 43% of BJU students receive Pell Grants. The average financial aid package awarded is $16,900. In the Class of 2025, 65% graduated with no federal debt.