Author
Blake Wood
Publish Date

The University of Illinois Springfield has been named the top public regional university in Illinois for the sixth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The 2025 Best Colleges rankings, released today, also rank UIS as the seventh-best public regional university in the Midwest.

“We are proud of our continued recognition as one of the nation's top public universities,” said University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “It highlights our commitment to student success and reinforces UIS as a leading choice for those seeking a high-quality education, whether through online learning or on-campus experiences, all backed by our outstanding faculty and staff.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on several factors, including graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, academic reputation, financial aid resources and the academic performance of incoming students. 

UIS also earned high marks in the following categories:

  • Best Value Schools: UIS ranked 10th in the Midwest for best value, based on academic quality relative to the average price paid after need-based aid, the percentage of students receiving need-based aid, the proportion of that aid given as grants or scholarships and the average discount from the school’s total price.
  • Best Colleges for Veterans: UIS was ranked 13th in the Midwest. Colleges in this category must be certified for the GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program or be public institutions.
  • Top Performers on Social Mobility: UIS ranked 56th in the Midwest for helping students from diverse social and economic backgrounds earn degrees, including through the use of Pell Grants.

Since 2006, UIS has consistently been ranked among the top 15 public regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

UIS is a public regional university that is a part of the world-class University of Illinois System. UIS provides a uniquely student-centered educational experience both in and out of the classroom through active learning, meaningful research and impactful civic engagement that prepares graduates to contribute fully to society.