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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.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,” Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor 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.”
Interested in research, undergrads?
From making chemotherapy more effective to sending experiments into space, Pitt students can start chasing discoveries from the moment they step foot on campus.
The Office of the Provost offers a wide array of research resources and opportunities for undergraduate students. Explore the full list.
“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).
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
A student success powerhouse
Pitt graduates are working, continuing their education, serving in the military and volunteering at a rate of 96% — that’s 10 percentage points above the national average. Stellar post-graduation outcomes are just the start of what we make possible. Learn more at possible.pitt.edu.