High Point University Earns College of Distinction Honor for 16th Consecutive Year

High Point University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-27 academic year, marking the 16th consecutive year that HPU has been recognized for its strong commitment to providing students with a transformative undergraduate experience. Pictured second from right was Dr. Doug Hall, vice president for Career and Professional Development at HPU, as he met with a student inside Cottrell Hall.

HIGH POINT, N.C., July 1, 2026 – High Point University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-27 academic year, marking the 16th consecutive year that HPU has been recognized for its strong commitment to providing students with a transformative undergraduate experience.

HPU received honors in several categories on the Colleges of Distinction list, including Career Development, Business, Education and Best Colleges of North Carolina. These honors reflect programs that prepare students for success in HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development, Earl N. Phillips School of Business and Stout School of Education. HPU was also recognized as one of the best colleges for international and transfer students.

“Families from around the world value High Point University’s innovative approach to educating students and delivering an effective learning model focused on Life Skills and professional development,” HPU President Nido Qubein said. “We remain dedicated to preparing students for the world as it will be.”

Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that offer an engaged, experiential education that makes a meaningful impact on a student’s life. Its rigorous selection process focuses on four criteria: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.

This is the latest accolade that HPU has earned for preparing students for successful career and lives. The U.S. News & World Report has named the university the #1 Best Regional College in the South for 14 consecutive years, the #1 Most Innovative Regional College in the South for 11 years in a row and the #1 Best Undergraduate Teaching for Regional Colleges in the South for a third consecutive year.

HPU received those accolades only a month after it was named the #1 Best-Run College in the nation by The Princeton Review for a second consecutive year. The university received high marks in 12 categories from The Princeton Review in “The Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition.” Those included #2 for Best College Dorms, #6 for Most Active Student Government Association, #9 for Best Career Services and #10 for Most Beautiful Campus.

Data collected by HPU in accordance with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) standards showed an overall placement rate of 99% for all graduates from the Class of 2025. HPU’s percentage of 2025 graduates who were employed or furthering their education within 180 days of graduation is 13 points higher than the national average reported by NACE.