In a higher education landscape often dominated by rankings and test scores, Southwest Baptist University has been recognized for what truly matters: a transformative undergraduate experience.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, SBU has been named a College of Distinction, a prestigious designation awarded to schools whose commitment to engaged, experiential
education sets them apart.
This recognition is based on Colleges of Distinction’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.
In addition to earning recognition as a national, Missouri, and Christian College of Distinction, SBU was also selected for distinction in the following areas:
- Affordability
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
“We’ve never believed in ranking schools,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. SBU stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people.”
Unlike rankings that focus on prestige-driven metrics, Colleges of Distinction highlights schools that champion educational impact. That includes everything from first-year seminars and collaborative projects to undergraduate research, global learning, and internships. SBU’s inclusion is a result of its commitment to these high-impact practices and the personalized support it offers students throughout their college journey.
The organization also focuses on program-specific outcomes and accreditation, such as the nursing program's 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam and the Plaster College of Business holding ACBSP accreditation.
"National recognition from organizations like Colleges of Distinction continues to affirm the great work that our faculty and staff are doing to prepare students for successful careers and extraordinary lives," said SBU President Dr. Rick Melson.
About Colleges of Distinction
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. For more information and to discover
how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
Published on July 18, 2025