As one of the top college ranking websites, U.S. News is relied on by many students to help compare colleges and universities. Measures such as test scores and class size have been de-emphasized while more weight has been given to how colleges can help support students from a variety of backgrounds, economic and otherwise. As a result, schools with strong performance in this area have seen improvement in their rankings.
In the 2025 rankings, Princeton University retained its top spot for the 14th consecutive year, followed by MIT, Harvard, Stanford and Yale. However, some of the previously highest ranked universities have dropped down quite a bit due to the new criteria. The University of Chicago had one of the more significant changes, falling from its No. 3 ranking to a tie with Cornell for No. 11. Other notable changes include University of Pennsylvania—which dropped to the No. 10 spot—and Brown University, which now sits at No. 13. Meanwhile, Northwestern University and Johns Hopkins rose to a tie for 6th place.
Several public institutions saw rises in their rankings, with UCLA rising to No. 15, becoming the highest ranked public school in the United States. University of Florida has remained the most highly ranked school in Florida, though dropping two places from last year to No. 30. Other notable Florida universities include Florida State University, No. 54; University of Miami, No. 63 and University of Central Florida, No. 121.
College rankings are not the end all be all on what defines a good college. With a variety of different sites and different criteria each one uses, none of the websites can portray a completely accurate picture. With such constant change year-to-year, college rankings should only be considered as one of many factors in the college decision making process.
Emory University, which ranks No. 24 on U.S. News, has several lounges where students can spend time and study when they’re not in class. In 2023, Emory fell to No. 24 after five years in the No. 21 spot—the University’s lowest ranking since 1994. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)
