STEUBENVILLE — Franciscan University of Steubenville has been ranked 28th among all Midwest Universities, according to the annual rankings included in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024-25 Best Colleges Guidebook.

The school also has retained its place among the top tier of the region’s 164 colleges, and is one of Ohio’s top six universities.

In addition to its 89 percent first-year retention rate, 75 percent graduation rate and 15-1 student-faculty ratio, the university’s strong showing reflects exciting new developments. These include the August opening of Christ the Teacher Academic Hall and Pope St. Paul VI Event Center, now the largest building on campus at more than 110,000 square feet. The new facility includes an academic wing for engineering, business and nursing students and an event center wing for spiritual and educational conferences.

“We’re excited more people are hearing about the great things happening at Franciscan,” said the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of Franciscan University. “As we continue to grow year after year, I’m most grateful for our amazing students who come for our unique approach to Catholic formation and academic excellence and go forth transformed and equipped to build up the Church and sanctify the world.”

Franciscan’s high marks from U.S. News and World Report include its effectiveness in enrolling and graduating low-income and first-generation students, jumping 56 spots in two years from 92nd to 36th place in the social mobility category.

The strong rating from U.S. News comes at a time of robust and sustained growth, as Franciscan welcomed its largest incoming class in the school’s history — 812 students — in August. Every year for the past 10 years, overall enrollment has broken records, bringing the total number of students enrolled on campus and online to 3,977. The university’s growth was reflected at commencement in May, with a record-breaking class of 896 graduates.

“I love how the Catholic faith is integrated into every class available, including STEM and language courses,” said one incoming freshman in a new student survey. “I also recognize how quickly the school is growing and the academic rigor.”

U.S. News also placed Franciscan University 13th among Best Colleges for Veterans in the Midwest. This category recognizes universities that are most successful at making a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members.

U.S. News and World Report has included Franciscan University of Steubenville in the elite top tier of Midwest Universities each year since 1998.