University of Redlands: Rankings, Academics & Student Life
Discover University of Redlands: Top-ranked education blending academic excellence with vibrant student experiences.
University of Redlands: A Comprehensive College Profile
The University of Redlands stands as a premier institution in higher education, recognized nationally for its commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and transformative student experiences. Located in Southern California, this distinguished university combines rigorous academics with vibrant student life and strong athletic programs, making it an increasingly popular choice for prospective students seeking a well-rounded college experience.
National Rankings and Recognition
The University of Redlands has earned significant recognition from leading educational ranking organizations, establishing its position among the nation’s top institutions. The university’s commitment to excellence is reflected across multiple prestigious ranking systems.
Wall Street Journal and U.S. News Rankings
The University of Redlands achieved a ranking of No. 89 out of 584 institutions in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings, placing it among the top 15 percent of colleges nationwide. This recognition underscores the university’s reputation for excellence in higher education, combining academic rigor with meaningful student experiences and nationally ranked athletic programs.
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, the university earned multiple accolades, including Best College in the West (#11 tie), Best Value in the West (#8), and Best College for Veterans (#8 tie). These distinctions highlight Redlands’ efforts to ensure affordability, access, and comprehensive student support.
Additional Academic Accolades
Beyond major ranking systems, the University of Redlands has received numerous recognitions from specialized ranking organizations. The institution was named a Higher Access, Higher Earnings institution in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, recognizing it among the top colleges driving meaningful student outcomes through educational access and career success. The university also joined Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL), becoming part of a network of 45 transformative colleges committed to providing life-changing educational experiences.
Washington Monthly ranked Redlands #14 on its Master’s University Rankings, placing it in the top 3% of national universities based on contributions to the public good, including social mobility, research, and service. The Princeton Review recognized the institution in its Best 389 Colleges guide and highlighted its innovative business and MBA programs.
Academic Excellence and Program Strengths
The University of Redlands offers comprehensive academic programming across undergraduate and graduate levels, with particular strength in business, education, psychology, and human services fields.
Undergraduate Programs
College Factual’s 2025 rankings identify general business administration and management as the highest-ranked major at the school. The university maintains strong offerings in teacher education, general business, psychology, communication sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. Among California’s 161 colleges, Redlands ranks at #53, demonstrating its competitive academic standing within the state.
Graduate and Professional Programs
The university’s graduate offerings have earned recognition from multiple ranking organizations. The Princeton Review ranked Redlands’ MBA program #3 among the Top 10 Best ACBSP MBA Programs in California and #8 among Top 25 Best MBA ACBSP Accredited Programs nationally. The online Master’s in Human Services program ranks #3 in the Top 25 Online Masters in Human Services, demonstrating the university’s strength in distance education.
Additional graduate program rankings include positions in human resources (#4 in California), business management (#6 nationally), accounting (#10 in California), and international business (#14 nationally). U.S. News & World Report recognized Redlands for Best Undergraduate Teaching at #4 and ranked it #3 for Most Innovative University in the West.
Admissions and Student Profile
The University of Redlands maintains selective admissions standards while remaining accessible to qualified students from diverse backgrounds.
Acceptance Rate and Application Statistics
The university’s acceptance rate stands at 82%, making it somewhat selective in its admissions process. This rate reflects Redlands’ commitment to enrolling motivated students while maintaining reasonable accessibility for qualified applicants. Prospective students are encouraged to strengthen their applications through strong academic records, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling personal essays.
Standardized Test Scores
Approximately 16% of students accepted to the University of Redlands submitted SAT scores. For those who do submit standardized test results, the middle 50% of admitted students demonstrate the following score ranges:
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 563-650
SAT Mathematics: 550-628
These score ranges provide prospective applicants with a benchmark for competitive admissions, though students with scores outside this range are encouraged to apply and highlight other strengths in their applications.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Affordability
The University of Redlands has made significant commitments to making a high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Redlands Promise
A cornerstone of the university’s affordability strategy is the Redlands Promise, the institution’s tuition guarantee that provides families with financial clarity and peace of mind from the outset of their college journey. This innovative program reflects the university’s commitment to removing financial barriers to education.
Financial Aid and Support
The university offers strong financial aid options and diverse educational pathways to meet the needs of different students. U.S. News & World Report ranked Redlands #9 in Best Value Schools within its regional category, reflecting the strong relationship between cost and educational quality. Prospective students and families should explore the full range of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available through the Office of Financial Aid.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Beyond academics, the University of Redlands offers a vibrant student life that enriches the educational experience and builds lasting community connections.
Student Engagement and Programs
The university’s commitment to transformative education extends beyond the classroom through extensive student life programs, clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities. Students benefit from a wealth of co-curricular experiences designed to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for meaningful engagement in their communities and professions.
Athletics and Recreation
Redlands maintains nationally ranked athletic programs that provide students with opportunities for varsity and club sports participation. The university’s athletic programs represent institutional excellence and contribute to the overall vibrancy of campus life.
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Redlands is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where students from different backgrounds learn together. These efforts align with the institution’s emphasis on social mobility and creating meaningful opportunities for students from underrepresented populations.
Online and Flexible Learning Options
Recognizing the diverse needs of modern students, the University of Redlands offers robust online and flexible learning options alongside traditional campus-based instruction.
Enrollment in Online Programs
The university’s online offerings have expanded significantly to meet student needs:
2022-2023: 605 students took at least one online class, with 253 completing all classes online
2021-2022: 1,071 students took at least one online class, with 333 completing all classes online
2020-2021: 4,566 students took at least one online class, reflecting pandemic-driven expansion
This data demonstrates the university’s commitment to flexible education while showing adaptation to post-pandemic student preferences.
Student Outcomes and Career Success
The University of Redlands’ recognition as a Higher Access, Higher Earnings institution reflects measurable student outcomes in career preparation and economic mobility. The university’s emphasis on meaningful student experiences, combined with practical skill development and experiential learning, prepares graduates for professional success.
Popular Majors and Earnings Potential
Top programs and their associated outcomes include:
Business Administration & Management: 438 majors with average earnings of $60,755
General Business/Commerce: 126 majors with average earnings of $72,664
Teacher Education Grade Specific: 274 majors
General Psychology: 78 majors
Communication Sciences: 75 majors with average earnings of $21,354
Overall Academic Quality and Institutional Ranking
College Factual’s comprehensive analysis ranks the University of Redlands #374 out of 2,152 schools in the nation for overall quality in its 2025 Best Colleges list. This ranking places Redlands in the top 20% of all schools nationwide, demonstrating consistent institutional excellence. The university earned 15 badges in the 2025 rankings across various categories, reflecting diverse strengths across multiple dimensions of institutional quality.
Why Choose the University of Redlands?
Several factors distinguish the University of Redlands as an exceptional choice for prospective students:
Academic Excellence: Recognized nationally for outstanding teaching and commitment to student success across undergraduate and graduate programs.
Affordability and Access: Innovative programs like the Redlands Promise and strong rankings in value education make quality higher education accessible.
Student-Centered Approach: The university prioritizes meaningful student experiences, combining academic challenge with vibrant campus life and robust support services.
Diverse Pathways: Flexible learning options, multiple program formats, and comprehensive financial aid create pathways for students with different needs and circumstances.
Career Preparation: Strong outcomes in employment and earnings reflect the practical, skill-focused education the university provides.
Community and Culture: As a member of Colleges That Change Lives, Redlands emphasizes transformative education rooted in community engagement and social responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the acceptance rate at the University of Redlands?
A: The University of Redlands has an acceptance rate of 82%, making it somewhat selective while remaining accessible to qualified applicants.
Q: What are the average SAT scores for admitted students?
A: The middle 50% of admitted students who submit SAT scores score between 563-650 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 550-628 on Mathematics.
Q: Does the University of Redlands offer online programs?
A: Yes, the university offers comprehensive online and hybrid options, particularly in graduate programs like the Master’s in Human Services and MBA programs.
Q: What makes the Redlands Promise unique?
A: The Redlands Promise is the university’s tuition guarantee program that provides families with financial clarity and peace of mind regarding college costs from the start of their college journey.
Q: How does the University of Redlands compare to other regional institutions?
A: Ranked #11 in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report and #89 out of 584 institutions nationally by the Wall Street Journal, Redlands maintains competitive standing among both regional and national peer institutions.
Q: What are the strongest academic programs at the University of Redlands?
A: The university demonstrates particular strength in business administration and management, MBA programs, teacher education, human services, and psychology, with multiple programs ranked nationally by leading educational organizations.
References
- University of Redlands ranked among top 15% of colleges nationwide by the Wall Street Journal — University of Redlands. 2025. https://www.redlands.edu/bulldog-bites/2025/university-of-redlands-ranked-among-top-15-of-colleges-nationwide-by-the-wall-street-journal
- University of Redlands Overview — College Factual. 2025. https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-redlands/
- Rankings — University of Redlands. 2025. https://www.redlands.edu/about/rankings
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