Butler, Taylor both 'Best of Midwest.' See how other Indiana schools fared in annual rankings (2024)

Butler University has been named best university in the Midwest for the second straight year in U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of the nation’s colleges and universities, released today.

Butler also topped the list of “most innovative” schools for the fifth straight yearand named the best school for veterans among Midwest Regional Universities.

“I am pleased that our ranking reflects the high quality of education we provide at Butler University,” President James Danko said in a news release. “In addition to a highly-engaged educational experience, thanks to our outstanding faculty, we continue to underscore the importance of innovation, which creates an environment that both supports our students and challenges them to succeed.”

Taylor University remained atop the list of best Midwest colleges andranked second in the Midwest for its focus on undergraduate students. It was also named the 14th "best value" among Midwest colleges.

In national rankings, theUniversity of Notre Damefinished highest of all Indiana schools, tying for 15th best university in the country. It was also named the 11th best in the nation for undergraduate teaching and the 24th "best value" in the country.

Purdue University—West Lafayette tied for 57th in the nation and Indiana University – Bloomington tied for 79th place. Both schools also made the list for top public colleges in the country. Purdue tied for 18th best public school and IU tied for 31st, up eight spots from last year. IU also tied for the country's 10th best business program.

"While rankings can never tell the whole story of a campus, these latest rankings by U.S. News help reflect the success of our strategic campus initiatives to ensure positive student outcomes, enhance the diversity of our community of scholars and increase support for our impact-focused research enterprise," said Lauren Robel, IU Bloomington provost and executive vice president, in a news release.

Purdue was also named the sixth most innovative school in the country and has the ninth best undergraduate engineering program among schools whose highest degreeis a doctorate.

Ball State University tied for 95th on the list of best public schools nationally.

Marian University moved up in regional rankings this year, rising to tie for 30th among Midwest universities. It also tied for 6th most innovative in the Midwest and the 15th "best value"— both increases from last year's rankings.

Long recognized as an engineering powerhouse, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technologyhas been recognizedas having the best undergraduateengineering program in the countryfor the 21st consecutive year.

Several Indiana schools also made the list of best liberal arts colleges in the country. DePauw University was ranked 46th,Wabash Collegeplaced 53rd and Earlham College placed 80th this year.

The full rankings for all Indiana schools can be found at the U.S. News and World Report website.

Call IndyStar education reporter Arika Herron at 317-201-5620 or email her at Arika.Herron@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron.