The University of California has achieved strong results in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, with UC Berkeley and UCLA ranked as the top two public universities in the country. All nine undergraduate campuses placed within the top 45 public universities nationwide, and all have maintained a position within the top 100 overall for six consecutive years.
This year’s rankings assessed more than 1,700 four-year institutions across the United States. The evaluation used up to 17 different factors to measure academic quality and graduate outcomes, such as graduation rates, student debt levels, and post-graduate earnings.
UC campuses also performed well in measures of social mobility. UC Riverside was ranked first nationally for helping lower-income students earn degrees that improve their financial standing, while UC Merced placed third. All nine undergraduate campuses were recognized as high performers in this category.
“These rankings affirm the University of California’s place as the crown jewel of public higher education not only in California, but the entire United States,” said UC President James B. Milliken. “Our campuses deliver life-changing education to students from all walks of life, resulting in opportunities that benefit them, their families, and their communities.”
Chancellor Rich Lyons of UC Berkeley commented on his campus’s recognition: “We are honored to once again be recognized as the nation’s top public university. The data affirm all that Berkeley does as a powerful engine of economic mobility, and provider of affordable world-class education, accessible to all. We are proud of our pioneering research on society’s top challenges, shaping solutions that directly support our economy and the health, well-being and security of the American people.”
UC Merced marked its twentieth anniversary by being named No. 25 among public universities nationally. Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz stated: “These rankings affirm what we see every day. UC Merced is providing students with a well-rounded world-class education and ensuring that students from all backgrounds can succeed. Our momentum continues to grow, and we are proud to represent the future of higher education in California and beyond.”
Data indicate that many low-income students at UC achieve upward economic mobility after graduation; most earn more than their parents within four years after finishing college and double their incomes within ten years.
Forbes recently highlighted University of California campuses for producing graduates who earn high salaries with relatively little student debt.
In addition to social mobility metrics, several UC campuses received high marks on U.S. News’ Best Colleges for Veterans list: both UC Berkeley and UCLA led among public institutions on this ranking.
A recent survey by the Institute of Governmental Studies found broad support among Californians for University of California schools—70 percent would recommend them to friends or family members seeking higher education opportunities.
The University of California system remains prominent for its contributions in undergraduate teaching excellence as well as graduate research output.
