ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ has been named one of Forbesβ Top Colleges in America for 2026, earning recognition as one of the nationβs top 500 institutions and a top 100 school in the Midwest.
Forbesβ annual Americaβs Top Colleges list evaluates institutions across the country on measures of academic excellence, student success and long-term value. The rankings are designed to help students and families identify colleges that deliver strong outcomes and return on investment while providing transformative educational experiences.
“We are proud that Forbes has recognized ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ as one of the top institutions in the country,β said President Mike Doyle, J.D. (β91). βThis honor reflects the commitment of our faculty and staff to provide students with a quality Catholic liberal arts education that is both rigorous and personal. It affirms the transformative experience and outcomes that our students have at ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ β preparing them to lead and thrive in their careers and communities.”
ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄β recognition on this list is a clear reflection of the Collegeβs commitment to offering a high-quality, affordable Catholic liberal arts education. The recognition highlights the dedication of faculty and staff to student growth, the strength of academic programs and the schoolβs national reputation for preparing graduates who thrive personally and professionally.
Being honored among Forbesβ top colleges places ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ within a select group of institutions recognized for outstanding performance in key areas such as graduation outcomes, cost efficiency and overall student experience.
More information about Forbesβ 2026 Americaβs Top Colleges rankings can be found .
About ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄
Founded in 1839, ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ leverages its historic roots as Iowaβs first college, the second oldest Catholic college west of the Mississippi River, and one of the nationβs 10 diocesan colleges to deliver challenging, life-changing experiences as part of its residential, Catholic setting. In 2018, ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ was the highest-ranked Catholic college in the state of Iowa according to College Consensus, the 12th Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, and one of Americaβs Top 200 Most Loved Colleges/Universities by Forbes Magazine. ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ additionally earned recognition as the #13 Best Value School, highlighting its commitment to both quality and affordability. ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ students ranked No. 2 in the world as part of the global Peeptrade Investment Challenge, while a second group ranked No. 4. For the 10th consecutive year, ΒιΆΉΤ΄΄ Media Studies student-led television station (LCTV) was named the TV Station of the Year by the Iowa College Media Association (ICMA).
Media Contact
Lexi L. Schroeder
Media & Content Manager
lexi.schroeder@loras.edu




