Belmont Abbey College’s Family Day celebration Sept. 18 was particularly joyful this year as the college celebrated 150 years.BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College has earned national recognition for academic excellence, rising two places to the No. 10 spot in the Regional Colleges-South category in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The college was also ranked No. 8 among top private regional southern colleges.
U.S. News & World Report also named Belmont Abbey College the 3rd-highest-ranked regional college in North Carolina, underscoring its growing national recognition. The college is the highest-ranked Newman Guide college in the region – an annual ranking of Catholic colleges created by the Cardinal Newman Society.
“These rankings affirm what we hear consistently from our students and families: Belmont Abbey’s greatest strength is the quality of the education and formation students receive here,” said President Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley. “Our faculty are deeply invested in their students, and our community challenges them to pursue excellence while preparing them to lead lives of purpose and service.”
This national recognition comes as Belmont Abbey maintains stable enrollment –its 1,693 students represent its second largest enrollment in a decade – and welcomes its largest class of traditional non-athlete students in eight years. Officials attribute the growth to interest in the college’s academic program offerings as well as its distinctive approach to Catholic higher education.
“This recognition in the U.S. News rankings validates what we see every day: that more students and families are seeking an education dedicated to forming the whole person,” said Jesse Dorman, vice president of enrollment. “The strength of this year’s incoming class reflects the appeal of a Belmont Abbey education – an education that combines academic excellence, a close-knit community, and a strong Catholic identity. We are excited to welcome these students and see how they grow during their time at the Abbey.”
The nursing program welcomed 33 students this year, including 18 direct admits and 3 honors students, bringing total enrollment in the program to 125 students. Belmont Abbey’s unique motorsport program continues to attract students –including 12 female students – with 24 new students exploring the field through an introductory course.
The program is committed to educating and graduating more female students while helping to expand opportunities for women in the motorsport industry. This momentum reflects the appeal of combining a liberal arts education with the specialized knowledge and professional skills needed to pursue careers in dynamic fields such as motorsports and nursing.
The Fall 2026 enrollment comes as Belmont Abbey celebrates its 150th anniversary, making it a milestone year for the college and its community. Founded in 1876, the college has remained committed to an education rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and its Benedictine identity.
— Belmont Abbey College