PUC Gains New Rankings in 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges List

Pacific Union College is delighted to announce that it has been ranked #15 in Overall Rank in the Regional Colleges (West) category and #5 in California in that same category in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges List. PUC has also earned a new ranking of #12 in Top Private Colleges, a category for private institutions funded entirely by non-government sources like tuition, endowments, and alumni gifts.

U.S. News Best Colleges rates about 1,700 educational institutions nationwide, weighing factors like academic quality, graduation and retention rates, post-graduate outcomes, and academic resources, with the Regional Colleges (West) category awarding only 49 schools based on the career- and job-focused degrees they offer.

Currently, PUC is #15 in the Overall Rank and #34 in Top Performers on Social Mobility– all in the Regional Colleges (West) category.

Proudly embracing the tagline, "Learn with Purpose, Rise in Faith, and Serve with Love," PUC takes pride in and is known for its dedicated faculty and staff, who are fully devoted to serving the entire student body– from fostering a Christ-centered environment to a robust academic program.

"At PUC we are focused on quality and student experience," said PUC President Ralph Trecartin. "Whenever the U.S. News rankings come out, it is gratifying to see that we measure up well with our outstanding peer Colleges in our region."

Because of the college's commitment to developing resources that meet student needs and market demands, it has expanded its online and in-person offerings, providing high-quality, accessible preparation and experiential learning opportunities to help students enter their careers successfully.

For the past several years, PUC has built on its 140-year history and reputation to develop new delivery systems, programs, off-site experiences, growth, and financial improvement. The college has seen tangible results not only in the high ranking of the BSN program and the rich quality of student and spiritual life on campus, but also in its commitment to experiential learning so each student is equipped to make a difference in the world.

PUC has led the way in private college education in Northern California, holding to its Christian values and rigorous programs, and we are pleased that the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranking reflects our steadfast growth.