DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 22, 2026) — St Ambrose University has been recognized among the Midwest’s leading universities in the latest US News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, earning the N° 2 spot among Most Innovative Schools in the Regional Universities (Midwest) category.
In all, St Ambrose is pleased to announce the following recognitions:
• N° 2 — 2027 Most Innovative Regional Universities in the Midwest US
• N° 17 — 2027 Best Universities for Veterans in the Midwest
• N° 23 — 2027 Top Private Regional Universities in the Midwest
• N° 32 — 2027 Best Regional Universities in the Midwest
The rankings reflect St Ambrose University’s focus on academic quality, personal support, and innovation grounded in its Catholic mission. The university is reimagining education to prepare graduates for meaningful work, continued growth, and lives of purpose.
“St Ambrose University believes education should prepare students to contribute meaningfully to their professions, communities, and the common good,” said Amy Novak EdD, president and CEO of St Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University.
“Our Catholic roots call us to meet the needs of our time with courage, wisdom, justice, and service. We are designing an education that gives students the practical capabilities, intellectual agility, and moral compass to thrive throughout their careers.”
The Most Innovative Schools ranking recognizes institutions identified by college leaders for making significant improvements in areas such as curriculum, faculty expertise, student experience, campus life, technology, and facilities.
At St Ambrose, innovation is reflected in what and how students learn. A new core curriculum is being designed to develop workplace-relevant skills and dispositions alongside disciplinary knowledge, including communication, critical thinking, collaboration, ethical judgment, adaptability, and the ability to apply knowledge across changing contexts.
Faculty are also being prepared to use practices that promote deeper, applied learning, including responsible artificial intelligence, competency-based approaches, and other methods that help students demonstrate what they know and can do. The work is designed to give graduates the practical skills and ethical grounding to navigate changing professions.
New academic pathways across St Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University also demonstrate that spirit of innovation. By aligning curricula, reducing barriers, and leveraging the strengths of both institutions, expedited pathways are helping students move more efficiently from undergraduate study into graduate and professional programs at either campus, reducing time to degree and expanding opportunity.
Together, these efforts are designing education around the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce. Expanded experiential learning, closer connections with employers and the ongoing St Ambrose/Mount Mercy integration are broadening access to programs and expertise. Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, this work helps students develop the knowledge, judgment, and moral compass to use their talents in service to others and the common good.
The university’s recognition among the Best Colleges for Veterans reflects that same commitment to service and support. St Ambrose provides resources for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected families as they pursue their educational and professional goals.
The US News Best Colleges rankings evaluate colleges and universities using measures related to academic quality and student success. The Regional Universities category includes institutions that offer a broad range of undergraduate programs and selected Master's and Doctoral degrees.
Interested students are urged to visit campus or get in touch with an admissions representative. To schedule a visit or apply, please visit sau.edu today.
About St Ambrose University
Founded in 1882 by the Diocese of Davenport, St Ambrose University’s commitment to academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice, and service is rooted in its Catholic intellectual tradition. The leading, private university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers more than fifty undergraduate and graduate programs. More than 140 years since its inception, a St Ambrose education remains centered on intentional, holistic, and experiential learning, with a vision to be a vibrant, sustainable, and learner focused model for Catholic higher education, preparing individuals from all walks of life to lead lives characterized by our core values of courage, wisdom, justice, and service. To learn more about St Ambrose University, visit sau.edu.
