By CHUCK STARESINIC

The University of Pittsburgh improved its standing significantly over last year in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, which were released on Sept. 22. Among national universities, Pitt is at No. 59, an improvement of 10 spots over last year’s rank. Among public institutions, Pitt ranks No. 24, a leap of 8 spots from its No. 32 rank last year.

“The U.S. News rankings are predicated on excellence in both student success as well as scholarship, creativity, and innovation and are dependent on how well we amplify our story. As such, Pitt's movement into the top 25 among public universities is a strong reflection of the extraordinary work of our faculty, students and staff in supporting and pursuing the Plan for Pitt,” Provost Joe McCarthy said.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges ranking is one of the most watched in higher education. In rolling out the five-year strategic plan, the Plan for Pitt 2028, during an April 2024 public report to the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Joan Gabel listed it as a goal to improve Pitt’s U.S. News rankings, both overall and among publics, in part by leaning into Pitt’s brand and creating strategic communications initiatives to increase awareness of Pitt’s strengths and impact.

In addition to markedly improving in both of those rankings this year, Pitt also placed No. 6 among public universities for undergraduate research and creative projects. 

“Being recognized as the No. 6 public institution for undergraduate research and creative projects is a testament to the strength of the academic experience we provide at Pitt,” Provost McCarthy added. “We are proud of this momentum and remain focused on building an even stronger University for our students and our broader community so that we can continue to strive for all that is possible here.”

Among other highlights, Pitt’s undergraduate nursing program ranks No. 12 in the nation, and biomedical engineering ranks No. 24. The University also placed among the best colleges for veterans (No. 34), psychology (No. 37), business (No. 39) and economics (No. 43).

Two Pitt programs reached their highest positions in the rankings’ history: Engineering at No. 46 and computer science at No. 49. 

Chuck Staresinic is interim editor of the University Times. Reach him at chuck.s@pitt.edu.

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