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For the third year in a row, Christopher Newport is Virginia’s No. 1 public regional university, according to newly released U.S. News rankings. The University also earned the top spot for Best College for Veterans in Virginia, and ranked as the No. 1 Most Innovative School in Virginia.
“It is an honor to be recognized by our peers not only as a forward-thinking university, but as a place that values and welcomes all students, including those who have served our great country,” said President William. G. Kelly. “We are proud of these rankings. They help demonstrate we are delivering on our mission of providing exceptional, affordable, and inclusive education that is truly anchored in excellence.”
The “Most Innovative Schools” were nominated exclusively by college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans, who selected and recognized universities that are using progress-driven approaches to serving students, such as improved support programs, cutting-edge technology, upgraded facilities, and a vibrant campus life. The “Best Schools for Veterans” category evaluated services tailored to veterans, including overall affordability, and a campus’ sense of community.
While there is no separate U.S. News ranking for the No. 1 regional public university in Virginia, Christopher Newport holds the top position among all regional universities in Virginia.
Christopher Newport’s overall ranking was determined using a combination of peer evaluations and quantitative data, such as faculty to student ratios, graduation rates, and academic outcomes.
The key CNU rankings by U.S. News for 2026 include:
- Undergraduate Teaching - Regional Universities (South) No. 6 (tied)
- Top Public Schools - Regional Universities (South) No. 3
- Regional Universities (South) No. 6
- Most Innovative - Regional Universities (South) No.12 (tied)
- Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Universities (South) No. 4
The University also appears on the following lists in the 2026 rankings:
- Best Value Schools
- Social Mobility
- Best Undergraduate Business Programs
- Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
- Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs
Christopher Newport’s continued growth in the U.S. News rankings reflects a broader, ongoing trend of the University’s national rankings success. The Princeton Review recently named Christopher Newport as one of the Nation's Best Colleges for Undergraduates. The University was also included in Money magazine’s Best Colleges List, which recognized educational quality, affordability, and alumni success. Forbes selected Christopher Newport as one of America’s Top Colleges. And Bloomberg Business included the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business in its Best Undergraduate Business School rankings. Additional prestigious rankings can be found here.
The complete list of 2026 U.S. News rankings can be found here.