Walsh University has once again been named a College of Distinction for 2025–2026, continuing a long-standing record of national recognition for its student-centered approach to higher education. This year’s honors reaffirm the university’s commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and meaningful student outcomes.
The Colleges of Distinction designation is based on a unique evaluation framework called 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—focusing not on prestige-driven rankings but on schools that champion educational impact.
Walsh University stands out for integrating high-impact practices such as collaborative projects, undergraduate research, global learning opportunities, and internships into its curriculum. These experiences empower students to take ownership of their education and grow into ethical, service-oriented leaders.
In addition to its national recognition as a College of Distinction, Walsh was also named both a Catholic College of Distinction and an Ohio College of Distinction. Several of the University’s academic units received focused honors that highlight Walsh’s strengths in combining academic rigor with hands-on learning and values-based leadership preparation. The DeVille School of Business, known for its ethics-driven, real-world business education; the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, which prepares compassionate and confident educators grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience; and the Byers School of Nursing, recognized for its rigorous, interdisciplinary training in nursing and healthcare, each earned individual Colleges of Distinction designations.
Walsh also earned distinctions in affordability, career development, international education, and military support, reflecting the University’s mission to provide an accessible, values-based education that meets the needs of today’s student population.
