National recognition honors institutions where students don't just attend college—they're transformed by it
The organization, Colleges of Distinction, is once again honoring the University of Minnesota Morris.
For the 2026-27 academic year, Colleges of Distinction has named UMN Morris a College of Distinction, a designation reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate experience speaks for itself.
This award signifies a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has awarded schools for their successful implementation of high-impact educational practices and hands-on learning. Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, its selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, selecting only those campuses that reflect a genuine, student-first philosophy.
“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. UMN Morris delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”
In addition to earning the College of Distinction honor, UMN Morris received specialized recognition for its affordability, business and education programs, equity and inclusion efforts, and teacher preparation.
"It is gratifying to see national recognition of UMN Morris’ stature," said Chancellor Michael Rodriguez. "The institutional characteristics which are the focus of this study match closely some of our most important strengths as an uncompromising liberal arts college in the public sector. Instructional excellence, committed students and faculty, and an institutional culture of service are valued deeply here, and it is rewarding to see them recognized."
