Fresno Pacific University has been recognized for providing one of the nation’s strongest learning environments, ranking No. 31 nationally and No. 6 in the state of California, according to TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027 rankings.
The ranking places Fresno Pacific among the top 7% of the 500 colleges and universities recognized nationwide for learning environment.
FPU also ranked No. 1 in the nation for learning environment among institutions in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff to creating a place where students are known, supported and challenged to grow,” said FPU President André Stephens, Ph.D.
“At Fresno Pacific, we want students to not only earn their degree but also have a transformational experience that shapes who they are, deepens their faith and prepares them to use their gifts to serve the common good.”
Overall, FPU ranked No. 158 nationally and No. 12 in the state of California among private nonprofit colleges and universities.
Ranking Methodology
For its inaugural college rankings, TIME partnered with Statista, a global data and research company. The rankings evaluated 500 public and private nonprofit colleges and universities. The analysis looked at three components: student outcomes, learning environment and attractiveness.
According to TIME’s rankings website, “The learning environment pillar assesses the quality of the instructional setting and community that an institution provides for its undergraduate students.” This category considers factors such as access to faculty, resources invested in students, and the demographic and socioeconomic makeup of the university community.
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