Gordon College Named a 2026-2027 College of Distinction

WENHAM, Mass., July 20, 2026 — For the 2026-2027 academic year, Colleges of Distinction has named Gordon a College of Distinction, a designation reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate experience speaks for itself.

This award signifies a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Rather than relying on endowment figures or selectivity rates, Colleges of Distinction conducts in-depth research and direct interviews with each institution, selecting only those whose campuses reflect a genuine, student-first philosophy.

“Students and families today are looking for more than a degree—they are seeking a college experience that helps them grow academically, personally, and spiritually,” said Thomas Hurley, vice president for marketing and enrollment at Gordon College. “This recognition highlights Gordon’s commitment to creating an environment where students are supported by faculty and mentors who know them well and are invested in their success.” 

Colleges of Distinction also placed Gordon on its “Best of” lists for Career Development Colleges, Christian Colleges, Business Colleges, and Education Colleges. These honors recognize Gordon’s commitment to combining rigorous academics with experiential learning, dedicated advising, and career preparation. Whether pursuing business, education, or other career paths, Gordon students graduate with the practical experience, professional skills, and confidence to thrive in their chosen careers and continue growing in their faith. 

“What today’s students need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “Gordon College delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”

Colleges of Distinction was founded on a conviction that still holds: the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides, not its place in a numerical ranking. Gordon College’s inclusion reflects its mastery of that measure. From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, its students are active participants in their own education.

“No two students arrive on campus with the same goals, background, or definition of success,” Schritter added. “The institutions we recognize understand that. Gordon College has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes.”

To view Gordon’s full profile, visit https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/gordon-college/

About Gordon College

Gordon College is located on the North Shore of Boston in Wenham, MA and is the only nationally ranked, multidenominational Christian college in New England. Gordon believes students and professionals should be equipped to flourish in an uncertain and changing world, which is why career-focused academics blend with a life-giving faith community to prepare Christians to make a difference with hope and confidence. With over 125 academic programs, Gordon currently serves 1,300 undergraduate and 550 graduate students. For more information visit www.gordon.edu.

About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.