Among the Best: TLU Climbs in Rankings on U.S. News & World Report 2026 List

Every year, U.S. News & World Report publishes a list of colleges and universities across the nation that have shown themselves to be exemplary over the past year. For the eleventh year in a row, Texas Lutheran University is among those singled out for the list.

"We're pleased that the value of a TLU education continues to be recognized and are particularly happy to see our strong results in serving our region and in serving veterans," said TLU President Dr. Debbie Cottrell. "These recognitions align with our mission and values and demonstrate our commitment to our students."

For the 2026 rankings, the university came in eighth place overall in the West-up from ninth place last year. TLU also came in fourth in the region for Best Value, up from fifth; and third in the Best Colleges for Veterans category, up from eighth. TLU is identified, for the purposes of these rankings, as a Regional College, defined as an institution focusing primarily on undergraduate education.

U.S. News utilizes a wide range of data sources to arrive at its rankings. "Best Value Schools," for example, are measured by academic quality and cost to attend. The measurement of "Best Colleges for Veterans" looks at participation in federal initiatives which help veterans and service members pay for their degrees.

"We are pleased to be recognized as an outstanding institution for students who continue to have more educational opportunities than ever before, and we do so with affordability in mind," said TLU Vice President for Enrollment Alecia McCain. Scholarships awarded to students by the university were reviewed recently and now amount to $28,000/year for first-year students.

TLU is proud to continue supporting its students who are veterans through participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents at private, out-of-state, or graduate institutions that might otherwise be too expensive. The university is also a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), a consortium of higher education institutions committed to helping members of the military earn degrees despite frequent moves.

The U.S. News rankings are widely recognized as a mark of distinction in the realm of higher education, and TLU is honored to be included once again. This year, TLU had a healthy influx of new students, for a total enrollment of around 1400 students. The university now offers programs on three campuses-the main campus in Seguin, and satellite nursing campuses in New Braunfels and Houston-and over 30 majors, 8 graduate programs, and 12 pre-professional programs. For more information, visit Texas Lutheran University | TLU | Private College | Small College.