September 12, 2022

For the fifth consecutive year, Butler University has been named the No. 1 Regional University in the Midwest, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, released today.

Butler also ranked as the No. 1 Most Innovative School in the Midwest for the eighth consecutive year, No. 1 for Undergraduate Teaching, No. 1 for A+ Schools for B Students, and No. 1 Best College for Veterans.

“It’s truly an honor to be distinguished amongst many excellent universities in the Midwest Region,” Butler University President James Danko said. “Perhaps most importantly, the ranking affirms the accomplishments of our faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that Butler University students receive an education that prepares them for successful, productive, and fulfilling lives. I could not be more grateful for their efforts.”

In addition to its strong position among Midwest Regional Universities, Butler also ranked highly among nationally ranked schools (such as Elon, Yale, and Boston College) in three key areas identified by U.S. News as being critical to providing students with the best possible undergraduate experience: First-Year Experiences (No. 15), Study Abroad Opportunities (No. 37), and Undergraduate Research (No. 53).

The U.S. News First-Year Experiences category recognizes schools that have developed ways to help new students feel connected well beyond orientation week, such as Butler’s required First-Year Seminar, which introduces students to the practice of engaging with complex and unfamiliar ideas.

The Study Abroad category highlights universities that allow students to complete a substantial amount of credit hours outside the United States, immersing themselves in new cultures. Butler University offers more than 200 study abroad programs in nearly 60 countries in which more than one-third of graduates participate. Over the past 10 years, the offerings of faculty-led courses abroad have grown nearly seven-fold, including the Butler in Asia internship program which has been generously supported by more than $1 million in donations from the Freeman Foundation.

The A+ Schools for B Students category ranks schools based on how well they retain and educate students who weren’t at the top of their high school classes. To be ranked in this category, a university must meet specific criteria, including:

  • a minimum of 75 percent of first-year students must return for their sophomore year
  • at least 20 percent of enrolled first-year students were not in the top 25 percent of their high school class
  • at least 40 percent of enrolled first-year students placed in the top 25 percent of their high school class
  • have a 75th percentile SAT score less than or equal to 1350, and a 25th percentile SAT score of greater than or equal to 980

This is the second year Butler has been ranked the top university in the Midwest Region for veterans. To qualify for the Best Colleges for Veterans ranking, an institution must meet specific requirements, including:

  • certification for the GI Bill
  • participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program
  • enrollment of a minimum of 20 full-time and part-time undergraduate veterans and undergraduate active service members
  • ranked in the top half of its 2022 Best Colleges ranking category

While ranked No. 1 in the Midwest Region, Butler’s academic reputation actually extends beyond the region, as evidenced by the number of students nationally who have enrolled at Butler in recent years. Butler’s fall 2022 incoming class represents 37 states and 14 countries, with nearly 54 percent of the class coming from high schools outside of Indiana.

Butler University is now accepting applications for enrollment for the fall 2023 semester. High school seniors can start the application process at butler.edu/admission.