Brevard College has been named a College of Distinction,a national designation awarded to institutions with a commitment to engaged, experiential education.
Recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation for 2025-26, Brevard was also selected as a Private College of Distinction as well as a North Carolina College of Distinction.
As a national College of Distinction, Brevard joins a list of esteemed institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, Davidson College, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Rice University, Swarthmore College, Tufts University, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University.
The Colleges of Distinction honor follows a ranking as one of the nation’s Best Colleges in 2026 by U.S. News & World Report and continues a trend of unprecedented success at Brevard College. Brevard set an enrollment record with 821 full-time undergraduate students this fall semester, while also announcing the arrival of a new Student Center on campus. Furthermore, a national teacher of the year award was recently bestowed to Brevard College professor Dr. Mel Bringle.
The recognition by Colleges of Distinction is based on the independent guide’s unique evaluating criteria known as the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Through extensive research and interviews, Colleges of Distinction identifies institutions that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
“Brevard College has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepares students for life after graduation.”
Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact, including everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning and internships. Brevard College’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
“Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose and their potential,” continued Schritter of Colleges of Distinction. “Brevard College stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people.”
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors.