SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University (EU) was named a 2025 Top Performer in Social Mobility in the Regional Universities – Midwest category by U.S. News & World Report for a second year, coming in at 39 out of 164 universities. For the first time, EU also ranked among the top 100 regional universities in the Midwest.
The US News & World Report rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality and place an emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating college students.
Related to social mobility, students who are economically disadvantaged are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for other factors. Universities ranked as Top Performers in this category are successful at advancing students past this challenge by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students who receive Pell Grants.
“This award is significant and supports the work we are doing with EU’s Pell Promise program,” said Chris Belcher, EU vice president for enrollment management. “We have worked very hard to ensure that we have plans in place that financially support students no matter their socioeconomic background.”
EU launched its Pell Promise scholarship program in 2021 that now provides 80%-100% of tuition gap coverage for Pell Grant recipients. The award is renewable up to four years and underscores the university’s commitment to making an EU education accessible and affordable for all.
U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information of the institutions and data on factors such as outcome measures — including graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduate earnings.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70-degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is a premier institution of higher education and has been ranked:
- #1 Best College in Springfield & #2 Best Christian College in Missouri by Niche
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.