Freed-Hardeman University Secures Triple Rank in 2027 U.S. News List

President Keith Harris credited the institution’s faculty and staff for these results, emphasizing a pedagogical approach that blends rigorous academics with a commitment to faith. The university’s strong performance in the Best Value category underscores its ability to balance educational outcomes with net attendance costs, a metric calculated by the publication based on financial aid and institutional quality.

Beyond the rankings, internal data points to a period of growth for the Tennessee campus. The university reported an 89% fall-to-fall retention rate, while the five-year graduation rate climbed to a record 71%. Enrollment figures for the 2026-27 academic year reflect this momentum, with a 5% increase in incoming students and a 13% surge in graduate program participation. The school also expanded its international reach, now hosting students from over 20 countries.