UMass ranked one of nation's top public university systems for third consecutive year

BOSTON – For the third straight year, the University of Massachusetts was one of the only public university systems in the nation to have all of its undergraduate campuses ranked as National Universities in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list.

The prestigious National University designation is reserved for comprehensive universities that offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs, and are committed to producing groundbreaking research.

Of more than 3,000 four-year postsecondary institutions in the United States, only 312 universities are recognized with this classification.

“These rankings validate our commitment to excellence and to ensuring that the citizens of the Commonwealth have access to world-class public higher education,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “In a challenging and rapidly changing higher education landscape, I’m proud to see all of our undergraduate campuses recognized for exceptional quality and impact.”

“Rankings are increasingly important to prospective students and their families when determining the best value in higher education, so this is outstanding news not just for UMass but for the Commonwealth,” said UMass Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Manning. “These rankings confirm that UMass is fulfilling its mission to deliver a high-quality, affordable education that transforms lives.”

Retaining its spot in the elite Top 30 Public Universities ranking, UMass Amherst was ranked No. 26 among public universities, up three spots from last year, and ranked No. 70 among all National Universities, public or private.

UMass Boston, which just three years ago was unranked, continued its rapid upward trajectory, climbing 11 spots to No. 191 this year and just outside the top 100 public universities at 104.

UMass Dartmouth, which was rated as a National University for the first time just two years ago, was ranked No. 215, and No. 121 among public universities.

UMass Lowell, which has been one of the fastest-rising universities in the nation since making the list, is ranked No. 157 this year, and No. 80 among public institutions.

The rankings weigh up to 15 indicators of academic quality, including graduation and retention rates, assessment of excellence, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rates and alumni giving, among others.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, released in December of 2017, ranked UMass Medical School as No. 14 nationally for primary care education and No. 50 for research.