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.”
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
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.
