CCU Climbs Into Top 50 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges Rankings
CCU rises more than 20 spots, ranking among the West’s leading private universities and Best Value Schools.
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Colorado Christian University has moved into the top 50 Regional Universities in the West in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, continuing a period of significant academic and institutional momentum for the University.
CCU also ranked 21st among private universities in the Regional Universities in the West category and placed among the top 50 Best Value Schools in the West.
The recognition comes just months after CCU once again earned an “A” rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) through its nationally recognized What Will They Learn?® initiative.
“These recognitions affirm something we see every day at Colorado Christian University: academic excellence and a deeply rooted Christian education belong together,” said Eric Hogue, president of Colorado Christian University. “Families are looking for an education that is rigorous, purposeful, and worth the investment — one that prepares students not simply for a career, but for a life of leadership and service.”
CCU’s rise in the U.S. News rankings comes alongside measurable gains in student success and continued growth across the University.
The six-year graduation rate for CCU’s traditional undergraduate students has increased to 72%, up from 57% three years ago. Students learn in classes averaging 13 students, supported by a 13-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Traditional undergraduate enrollment has also increased 15% over last year, as CCU welcomed 414 new students to campus this fall.
The University now serves more than 17,000 students from all 50 states and 28 countries through its College of Undergraduate Studies, College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CCU Online), and CCU Academy. Graduate enrollment has increased more than 20% since 2023, reaching 2,273 students, while doctoral enrollment has more than doubled. Enrollment in CCU Academy’s associate degree program for high school students has more than tripled since 2023.
“The strength of a university ultimately rests on what and how its students learn,” said Dr. David Corbin, provost of Colorado Christian University. “At CCU, we are committed to serious scholarship, excellent teaching, and an education grounded in the permanent things — biblical truth, historical memory, philosophical inquiry, literary imagination, scientific understanding, and sound reasoning. These recognitions are encouraging, but what matters most is that we continue to deepen the academic experience we provide our students and prepare them to think well, pursue truth, and serve faithfully.”
Additional Recognition from Student Feedback
CCU also received strong marks in Niche’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, which combine federal data with reviews from students and alumni.
Among Colorado colleges and universities, CCU ranked:
- No. 1 for Best College Campuses
- No. 1 for Best College Dorms
- No. 1 for Best Colleges for Psychology
- No. 1 for Best Colleges for Education
Nationally, Niche ranked CCU No. 8 for Best College Dorms, No. 29 for Best College Campuses, and No. 5 among the Most Conservative Colleges in America.
The latest recognitions reflect continued momentum at Colorado Christian University as it expands academic programs, strengthens student outcomes, and remains committed to its mission of providing Christ-centered higher education that equips students to impact the world with grace and truth.
About Colorado Christian University
Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is the flagship Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, CCU serves more than 17,000 students through its College of Undergraduate Studies, College of Adult and Graduate Studies and CCU Academy, offering more than 200 academic program options on its traditional campus, online, and through dual enrollment programs. Recognized among the top two percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, CCU is committed to Christ-centered higher education that transforms students to impact the world with grace and truth. CCU competes in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.