Pitt ranks No. 24 among the nation’s public universities, says U.S. News & World Report

Originally published in Pittwire. Reposted with permission.

The University of Pittsburgh moved up to No. 24 among public universities nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday. Pitt sits at No. 59 among all national universities — a 10-spot jump from last year’s list, making the University the biggest mover among publics in the top 100.

“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,” Senior Vice Chancellor and Provost Joe McCarthy said.

Notably, Pitt placed No. 6 among public universities for undergraduate research and creative projects. The University climbed 24 places from last year to secure a No. 29 ranking in that category overall. According to April Belback, vice provost for student success, that’s thanks to the pathways Pitt has built across every school and discipline, each guided by a dedicated faculty mentor, and to the way those efforts are coordinated University-wide — through shared fairs, presentation opportunities and conferences like the ACC Meeting of the Minds.

“Students are part of a real community of inquiry, not working in a silo,” Belback said. “Research at Pitt doesn't stop at department lines — students are encouraged to bring perspectives from across disciplines into their work, and that kind of interdisciplinary thinking is what turns curiosity into a career.”

“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.”

Several additional programs brought home high rankings: Pitt’s undergraduate nursing program is among the top 15 in the nation, and biomedical engineering among the top 25. The University also placed among the best colleges for veterans (No. 34), psychology (No. 37), business (No. 39) and economics (No. 43).

“This 11-place rise to our highest undergraduate engineering ranking reflects years of work by our faculty and staff to strengthen our programs and create opportunities for students,” said Michele V. Manuel, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering. “From research alongside faculty to co-op placements and global experiences, we see that work in the education our students receive. We should all take pride in this recognition as we build on that progress through our strategic plan.”

Along with the top-10 research and creative projects placement, two other Pitt programs reached their highest positions in the rankings’ history: Engineering rose to No. 46 and computer science to No. 49. The University’s marketing program also notched a No. 44 spot in its first showing on the list.

Three Pitt campuses picked up high rankings in the Regional Colleges category — Pitt-Johnstown is No. 19 in the North (No. 9 among publics), Pitt-Bradford clocked in at No. 25 (No. 14 among publics) and Pitt-Greensburg at No. 36 (No. 22 among publics). All three also cracked the top 50 on the publication’s social mobility list.

Additionally, Pitt-Bradford was recognized as a best value school and best value for in-state students, picking up a No. 5 ranking in both categories. The Johnstown and Bradford campuses were also ranked No. 5 and No. 7, respectively, as best colleges for veterans in the region. 

Explore the full 2027 rankings.

Photography by Tom Altany