Rankings reflect new methodology used by U.S. News based on revamped Carnegie Classification frameworks.
In its 2027 edition of Best Colleges released this week, U.S. News & World Report ranked St. Catherine University the top Minnesota university and No. 6 overall in the Midwest Regional University rankings.
“This is not only exciting news, but terrific recognition for the St. Kate’s community,” said Marcheta P. Evans, PhD, president of St. Catherine University. “The daily student-centered work we do is a living reflection of our mission to educate women to lead and influence — that has not changed, but the renewed focus on how institutions meet students on their academic journeys and support them as they work towards their degrees is a well-earned spotlight for our faculty and staff.”
The 2027 rankings are the first to reflect the 2025 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which revamped prior frameworks. Following this revamp, St. Kate’s was recognized as an Opportunity College and University. The University also successfully earned the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a distinction highlighting deep community integration that traditional ranking checklists often miss. Because of changes to the Carnegie Classifications used in its ranking process, U.S. News & World Report reorganized St. Catherine University to a Regional University category for its 2027 rankings.
The reclassification is a more accurate reflection of St. Kate’s institutional strengths, according to Erin White, director of Institutional Research at the University. “The Carnegie overhaul meant that institutions like St. Kate’s were evaluated based on multiple characteristics, such as degree mix, field concentrations, and institutional size,” White explained. “That means these rubrics now reflect how institutions prioritize student success, access, and social mobility over legacy prestige — all characteristics of a St. Kate’s education.”
St. Kate’s also ranked No. 2 in Minnesota for social mobility, and No. 9 in the Midwest region. This ranking reflects an institution’s ability to offer access to education and degree programs that help its graduates improve their economic and social progress they would not otherwise achieve.
St. Kate’s nursing program was also recognized in this year’s rankings: No. 1 nursing program among Minnesota private schools and No. 2 among Minnesota colleges and universities — upholding its 2026 ranking.
“We appreciate the recognition of these rankings, but the greater validation for our University is in the nearly 60,000 alumni who have used their St. Kate’s degrees to prove the value of their education and build a truly better world, one Katie at a time,” said Evans. “With gratitude, we will continue this remarkable work.”