UVA places high in latest rankings

UVA’s position as a top university remained fairly steady in the college rankings released in 2026. Here’s how UVA fared compared with last year, along with its showing in a new ranking that debuted in August: Time magazine’s America’s Best Colleges.

U.S. News Best Colleges

Emphasizes peer reputation, graduation outcomes and financial resources

• No. 26 among national universities, no change
• No. 4 among public universities, no change

U.S. News Best Value Schools 

Emphasizes academic quality and average net cost

• No. 4 among public universities, down from No. 2

Forbes America’s Top Colleges

Emphasizes alumni financial success, student debt and post-graduation career outcomes

• No. 5 among public universities, up from No. 9
• No. 27 top college, up from No. 34
• Also named a new public Ivy for third year

Time America’s Best Colleges of 2026-2027

Emphasizes student outcomes and learning environment

• No. 14 among top universities
• No. 2 among public universities 

Money Magazine Best Colleges 2026

Emphasizes educational quality, affordability and post-graduation outcomes

• 5 out of 5 stars, up from 4.5