Graceland University is one of the 158 best colleges in the Midwest according to The Princeton Reviewâ (www.PrincetonReview.com). The education services company lists Graceland in the Best in the Midwest section of its “2022 Best Colleges: Region by Region” website feature that posted on August 31, 2021, at https://www.princetonreview.com/bestMWcolleges.
The website feature salutes a total of 654 colleges that The Princeton Review recommends over five regions: the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, and International. The colleges that made the “Best in the Midwest” list are located in twelve Midwestern states. The schools in each region are listed in alphabetical order by school name, and not ranked.
In its website profile on Graceland, The Princeton Review describes the college as “family-oriented atmosphere” and commends it for “taking the time to get to know the students.”
“We chose Graceland University and the other outstanding institutions on this list primarily for their academics,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. He noted that the company considered data from its survey of administrators at several hundred colleges in each region, information from staff visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of college counselors and advisors whose perspectives the company solicits. “We also consider what students enrolled at the schools reported to us on our student survey about their campus experiences,” Franek added.
The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their colleges on dozens of issues and to answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. Comments from surveyed students are quoted in the school profiles on The Princeton Review website.
Some student comments in the profile on Graceland are “there are so many different people from all over the world, and it’s amazing how everyone seems to get along with one another,” and they describe the community as “outgoing, friendly, [and] very approachable.”
Graceland President Patricia H. Draves said, “We are incredibly proud of our Graceland community, there is a spirit of excellence on this campus that is present in all aspects of the educational experience. To be considered ‘Best in the Midwest’ by The Princeton Review is a great honor and we look forward to another year of academic success.”
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Press Release
April 6, 2026
Graceland University is proud to announce that Stassi Cramm, PhD, Prophet-President of the Community of Christ and a distinguished Graceland alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Morden Center
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
