DeSales University Climbs in National Rankings in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Edition

DeSales University has once again been recognized among the nation's top institutions of higher education. The University climbed 21 places from its 2026 National Universities ranking, reflecting continued progress among institutions nationwide.

In the newly released 2027 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings, DeSales earned a spot at No. 262 in the National Universities category and No. 120 among Top Private Schools.

The University's overall ranking places DeSales among 427 institutions nationwide competing in the National Universities category, a distinction that continues to set DeSales apart from many of its regional peers.

DeSales also earned recognition as a top performer on social mobility, ranking No. 314 nationally in that category, a measure that evaluates how well schools support and graduate students who receive federal Pell grants.

"This year's rankings reaffirm DeSales University's position as a nationally recognized institution and one of only two Lehigh Valley universities included in the National University category," said Rev. James Greenfield, '84, OSFS, president of DeSales University. "Particularly encouraging is our continued recognition for social mobility, which reflects the impact of our Catholic, Salesian mission-centered commitment to helping students of all backgrounds achieve lives of purpose and professional success."

The scope of the University's academic offerings is a key differentiator in the competitive higher education landscape. Unlike many regional competitors of similar sizes, DeSales combines a liberal arts foundation with a broad range of professional programs, including physician assistant studies, physical therapy, business, education, nursing, and other health professions, while maintaining the personalized student experience associated with comparable institutions.

“At DeSales University, academic excellence means providing students with a strong intellectual foundation while preparing them to succeed in professions that are continually evolving,” said Provost Terese Wignot, Ph.D. “The breadth and quality of our programs allow us to respond to emerging workforce needs while maintaining the close faculty mentorship and personalized, values-centered education that distinguish DeSales. We are preparing well-rounded graduates not simply for their first job, but for meaningful and successful careers.”

DeSales' online offerings also earned national recognition this year. The University's online master's in nursing program ranked No. 48, while its online master's in criminal justice program ranked No. 63. Its online MBA program placed No. 192, and its online bachelor's program overall ranked No. 201. The online bachelor's in business program ranked No. 191.

The rankings reflect DeSales' ongoing investment in flexible, accessible education for working professionals and nontraditional students seeking to advance their careers.

DeSales continues to expand its academic offerings to meet emerging workforce needs. Among the University's newest programs are a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services, and a Doctor of Medical Science for physician assistants, additions that reflect DeSales' commitment to preparing students for high-demand, evolving fields.