BRADFORD, Pa. — For the 12th consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been named a College of Distinction for helping its students learn, grow and succeed, and was recognized in eight individual areas.

Colleges of Distinction is an online guide for college-bound students that recognizes student-centered schools that traditional rankings may often overlook.

In addition to the general 2026-2027 recognition, Colleges of Distinction recognized Pitt-Bradford in the areas of public colleges and Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Pitt-Bradford was named an Affordable College of Distinction, a recognition based on a low net price, strong financial support, low median debt among graduates, positive early-career earnings for graduates, accessibility across socioeconomic backgrounds and a measurable return on investment for students and their families.

The Colleges of Distinction’s selection process includes a sequence of detailed interviews with the schools and in-depth research.

The schools selected for the honor must adhere to four distinctions: engaged students who take an active part in their own learning, great teaching that enables students to have meaningful interactions with their professors, a vibrant community where students receive a well-rounded college experience, and successful outcomes in which students are well-prepared for life after graduation.

Pitt-Bradford also received specialized recognition in business, education and nursing as well as career development, and equity and inclusion.

Colleges of Distinction said that the university’s programs in accounting, business management and economics excel at graduating students into the workforce with solid, well-developed critical-thinking skills as well as the ability to adapt in an ever-changing society.

Pitt-Bradford’s education programs prepare future educators who are not only knowledgeable but able to adapt to the constant changes in technology, public policy, employer demands, and more.

Pitt-Bradford offers education programs in biology; business, computer and information technology; chemistry, early level education preK-4; English; health and physical education; mathematics; and social studies. Beginning this fall, the university is offering special education for preK-12.

The accredited nursing program was recognized for helping future nurses develop critical-thinking skills and preparing future nurses for an ever-changing society. A new RN-to-BSN program allows working RNs with an associate’s degree in nursing to earn a bachelor’s degree online.

The career development badge recognizes schools with comprehensive four-year plans, advising and more. At Pitt-Bradford, that includes the Academic Advising Center, Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center, TRIO Student Support Services, and Career Services.

Pitt-Bradford was also recognized for being a community dedicated to equal opportunity for all students, faculty and staff.

For more information, visit collegesofdistinction.com.

This is the latest accolade Pitt-Bradford has earned. Most recently, Pitt-Bradford was named a Military Friendly School at the gold level, was named among the Best for Vets: Colleges by Military Times and was named to The Princeton Review’s “2026 Best Colleges: Region by Region.”