Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis is celebrating a series of significant achievements after being recognized in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings, highlighting the institution’s growing national reputation for both academic excellence and accessibility.
Among the most notable accomplishments, UIndy climbed an impressive 60 spots to No. 237 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category. This ranking underscores the University’s commitment to providing opportunities for students from economically diverse backgrounds and demonstrates its dedication to ensuring that access to higher education translates into meaningful graduation outcomes. The measure, which tracks how effectively colleges enroll and graduate students from lower-income families, signals that UIndy’s efforts to promote inclusivity and opportunity are bearing fruit.
“These remarkable gains reflect the hard work of our faculty and staff, and the talent and dedication of our students,” said University of Indianapolis President Dr. Tanuja Singh. “We are proving that UIndy can deliver world-class opportunities while remaining deeply committed to accessibility and service to our community.”
Engineering Program Sees Rapid Rise
UIndy’s academic programs also received strong recognition. The Undergraduate Engineering Program climbed 37 spots to No. 113 nationally, a noteworthy achievement given that the program graduated its first cohort only in 2020. The program’s growth has been driven by a combination of innovative curriculum design and full ABET accreditation, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing engineering programs in the country.
“To see this level of recognition in such a short time is extraordinary,” said Dr. Ken Reid, Associate Dean and Director of the R.B. Annis School of Engineering. “With full ABET accreditation secured and our innovative DesignSpine curriculum, we are confident UIndy Engineering will soon be among the top 100 programs in the nation.”
The rapid ascent of the engineering program reflects UIndy’s ability to combine rigorous academics with hands-on experiential learning, preparing students to enter competitive fields while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Nursing Program Achieves National Distinction
The University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program also made major strides, jumping 83 spots in the rankings and placing in the top 20 percent of programs nationwide. The recognition reflects UIndy’s ongoing leadership in healthcare education and commitment to preparing graduates for the challenges of modern clinical practice.
“This ranking is a reflection of the outstanding faculty, staff, and students who make up our nursing program. We are proud to prepare nurses who are not only highly skilled but also compassionate caregivers ready to meet the demands of today’s healthcare environment,” said Dr. Brent Arnold, Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
The program’s growth has been driven by both the caliber of instruction and the strong clinical partnerships that give students hands-on experience. Graduates are entering the workforce equipped with both technical expertise and the interpersonal skills necessary to thrive in diverse healthcare settings.
Commitment to Student Wellness
Beyond academics, UIndy has continued to prioritize student mental health and wellness, launching pioneering initiatives that complement the University’s strong performance in national rankings. Notably, the University recently opened the Biofeedback & Meditation Center (BMC), a first-of-its-kind facility combining meditation coaching, heated lava rock beds, and real-time physiological feedback equipment to help students manage stress.
“I am so excited about this pioneering opportunity because it is a huge advance in our mission to provide holistic wellness for our campus community,” said Dr. Kelly Miller, psychologist and director of the Student Counseling Center. “Combining scientific technology with the ancient art of mindfulness empowers students to discover for themselves the mind-body connection and the control they can have in better managing physical and emotional reactions. For many, this is a transformative experience for life.”
The BMC is the product of two years of planning and collaboration. Miller drew inspiration from Urban Meditation’s studio in Indianapolis and worked closely with co-owner Kristy Paul, who donated lava beds, lighting, and meditation equipment to help bring the project to life. “The combination of meditation and our methods helps you to react differently to stress that can feel overwhelming,” Paul said. “I really do believe that it will help UIndy students overcome adversity and be an additional safe space in the Student Counseling Center for people in distress.”
Financial support from OneAmerica Financial further strengthened the initiative. “OneAmerica Financial is committed to transforming the socio-economic health and well-being of our community,” said De’Niece Harrison-Hudson, Community Affairs Director. “We are grateful for Kelly’s tireless efforts to help our Fellows thrive and excited to think how the Biofeedback & Meditation Center will help the UIndy community thrive too.”
Research and Future Plans
The University also sees the BMC as a platform for research on student wellness. Miller and her team plan to study how meditation and biofeedback interventions affect symptoms of depression and anxiety, overall quality of life, and potentially even retention and graduation rates.
“UIndy is on the cutting edge of utilizing innovative wellness strategies to improve mental health,” Miller said. “Dreaming big has gotten us where we are today, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds thanks to the continued support of our campus community and partners.”
A Growing National Presence
UIndy’s rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings reflects the University’s dual focus on academic excellence and student accessibility. Across disciplines, from engineering to healthcare, UIndy is earning recognition for its ability to combine rigorous programs with opportunities for all students to succeed, regardless of economic background.
These achievements demonstrate that UIndy is not only advancing academically but also building a campus culture where student well-being, research innovation, and community engagement are prioritized alongside traditional measures of success. The University’s upward trajectory signals a commitment to becoming a national model for inclusive, high-quality education.
As UIndy continues to expand its programs, invest in student wellness, and achieve national recognition, the University is positioning itself as a leader among mid-sized universities, showing that accessibility, innovation, and excellence can go hand in hand.
