Niche, a prominent ranking and research platform, has released its list of the 25 most conservative universities in the US for 2026. The ranking is based on self-reported data from students, focusing on both individual and campus-wide political preferences, which reflect a conservative leaning.The list includes universities from across the US, with Liberty University in Virginia ranked first. Two institutions from Alabama — Samford University and Auburn University — have also been included in the list, taking 20th and 22nd positions respectively.Liberty University tops the listLiberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, is ranked as the most conservative university in the US. The private Christian university has a student population of approximately 53,000 undergraduates, a 99% acceptance rate, and over 350 academic programmes. According to the university’s official materials, it aims to prepare students for careers that allow them to “make a lasting impact for Christ.”Other top-ranking universitiesGrove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania, holds second place. This private institution has around 2,200 undergraduate students, a 73% acceptance rate, and more than 70 academic programmes. The college highlights a strong Christian mission and close-knit community, aiming to encourage students to “pursue truth, grow, and connect,” as quoted by the AL.com.Brigham Young University–Idaho, located in Rexburg, Idaho, ranks third. It is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has approximately 22,400 undergraduate students, with a 97% acceptance rate. The university is described as an “above-average” private institution on Niche.Religious values influence rankingsMany universities on the list emphasise Christian or religious values. Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colorado, is ranked fourth. Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, is fifth, followed by Cedarville University in Ohio and Pensacola Christian College in Florida at sixth and seventh places respectively.Other notable institutions include:• University of Northwestern–St. Paul, Minnesota (8th)• Brigham Young University, Utah (9th)• Regent University, Virginia (10th)• Evangel University, Missouri (11th)• Grace College, Indiana (12th)• Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma (13th)• North Greenville University, South Carolina (14th)• Mississippi College, Mississippi (15th)Alabama universities featured in the rankingsTwo Alabama institutions have been named in the top 25. Samford University in Birmingham is ranked 20th. It is a private Christian university with approximately 4,200 undergraduate students and an 82% acceptance rate. Samford emphasises spiritual and academic development.Auburn University, placed at 22nd, is a public institution located in Auburn, Alabama. Known for its athletics and academic reputation, it has more than 27,000 undergraduate students and a 50% acceptance rate. As reported by the AL.com, Auburn is considered one of the largest universities included in the ranking.Top 25 Most Conservative Universities in the US (Niche 2026)
The rankings are based on Niche’s student surveys and user-submitted data, reflecting the political and cultural environment of each campus.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
