U of M Twin Cities ranked No. 23 nationwide, highest in 12 years, in U.S. News and World Report rankings

Already well known as one of America’s leading research universities, the University of Minnesota’s status as one of the nation’s most exceptional and accessible universities was solidified recently in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report rankings. The U of M’s position throughout the rankings showcases the results of investments made at its five campuses and demonstrates the University’s continued excellence in fulfilling its mission. 

Among the most referenced collegiate rankings in the world, the rankings are specifically mentioned in the University’s systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, which includes a goal for the Twin Cities campus to be ranked among the nation’s top 25 public schools. That goal was met with these latest rankings, which ranked the University’s flagship campus No. 23—the  campus’ highest ranking in 12 years. Among all 440 institutions (public and private) considered for the National Universities category, the U of M Twin Cities improved by six places from last year, from No. 68 to No. 62, placing the campus among the top 15 percent of all ranked universities. 

“It is gratifying that the collective ingenuity and impact of our faculty, students and staff is recognized in so many ways across the U.S. News and World Report rankings,” said U of M President Joan Gabel. “This important and wide-ranging excellence exemplifies our University community’s shared commitment and focus through MPact 2025, which serves our state and transforms the world.”

Three other U of M campuses throughout Minnesota were also highlighted in the most recent rankings: 

• The University of Minnesota Crookston retained its No. 1 status among public Midwest Regional Colleges. 
• The University of Minnesota Duluth improved eight spots in the Regional Universities in the Midwest category, ascending to No. 33, which places UMD in the top 20 percent of the category. Among only public universities in the same category, UMD moved up two spots, from No. 8 to No. 6. 
• The University of Minnesota Morris improved its ranking among National Liberal Arts Colleges by five places from No. 141 to No. 136. The campus remained the No. 8-ranked public university in the category.

The University’s fifth campus, in Rochester, is accredited with the Twin Cities campus. As a result, their information is included in the Twin Cities ranking.

The U.S. News and World Report results reflect a wide variety of criteria, including graduation rates, indebtedness, faculty resources and expert opinion. For nearly 40 years, the rankings have been published to help high school students make informed decisions about what schools might provide the best educational resources for their needs. 

These rankings are only the latest to celebrate the University of Minnesota in recent months. The Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as The Shanghai Ranking, recently ranked the U of M Twin Cities No. 44 among universities worldwide. Shanghai Ranking also placed the Twin Cities campus at No. 25 in the U.S. and No. 10 among public universities. The organization also produces a Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, focusing on scholarship within 54 specific academic fields. The U of M was recognized among the top 25 globally in 12 of these categories.

Similarly, Washington Monthly’s 2022 College Guide ranked the U of M Twin Cities as a top-20 U.S. public university, while also recognizing U of M Morris as a top 25 liberal arts college nationally and No. 1 among public liberal arts schools. Forbes also considered the U of M Twin Cities as a top-25 public institution in 2022.