US News rates Auburn as state’s top university; UNA ranked among regional schools

NEW YORK — Auburn University has once again secured its place as Alabama’s top-ranked institution, according to the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. The new rankings, released this week, reaffirm Auburn’s standing among the nation’s leading universities while highlighting the school’s growing reputation for academic excellence and student success.

Auburn is ranked No. 49 among public universities nationwide and No. 102 overall, solidifying its status as the state’s highest-ranked university. The recognition reflects Auburn’s ongoing investment in innovative academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and support systems designed to ensure student achievement.

“Our improvement across several U.S. News metrics reflects our long-term vision and commitment to provide innovative academic programs with measurable outcomes, while empowering students to become engaged citizens,” said Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts.

The University of North Alabama also earned recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing among the South’s top regional institutions in categories such as Top Public Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Best Value Schools.  UNA earned the No. 30 spot among regional universities in the South.

“As the state’s first four-year university, it is of note that the University of North Alabama continues to be ascendant among our peer institutions in Alabama as well as across the southeast region,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “There is a great deal of excitement on campus thanks to our academics and student-led programming, our championship athletics, and our record-breaking fundraising. UNA continues to excel now more than ever as we approach our bicentennial.”

The Best Colleges rankings evaluate more than 1,700 institutions across the country using measures such as academic quality, student outcomes, social mobility, and value.

Other Alabama universities also earned national recognition. The University of Alabama at Birmingham was ranked No. 132 nationally, the University of Alabama came in at No. 169, Samford University placed at No. 179, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville was ranked No. 242.