University of Minnesota places first in two categories in US sustainability rankings

For the first time, the University of Minnesota ranked first among U.S. institutions in two categories in the Times Higher Ed (THE) Impact Rankings: clean water and health and well-being. The University of Minnesota was fifth in the U.S. overall and in the top 10% worldwide.

The 2025 rankings evaluated 2,526 universities from 130 countries/regions, comparing their efforts to conduct teaching, research, outreach and stewardship that support a more sustainable, equitable and healthy future.

The University of Minnesota ranked among the top five in the U.S. for its work related to:

• Clean water (No. 1 in the U.S., Tied for No. 16 in the world)
• Health and well-being (No. 1 in the U.S., Tied for No. 54 in the world)
• Climate action (No. 3 in the U.S., Tied for No. 70 in the world)
• Zero hunger (No. 4 in the U.S., No. 34 in the world)
• Partnerships for the Goals (No. 3 in the U.S.)

"As one of the nation’s premier research universities, the University of Minnesota is leading the way to building a sustainable future — for Minnesota, our nation, and the world,” said President Rebecca Cunningham. “Sustainability, including climate action and clean water, is who we are. The results of this year's Times Higher Ed Impact Rankings affirm our bold dedication to this critical work, our values rooted in responsible stewardship, and our determination to leave a healthier planet for future generations.”

THE Impact Rankings apply 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at achieving a better world by 2030, goals adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. These goals provide a shared blueprint for measuring progress and impact in advancing peace and prosperity for people and the planet.

The University of Minnesota is one of the few institutions worldwide to submit multiple campuses for review to the THE Impact Rankings, a point that distinguishes its results from its peers. The final submission included examples gathered from every University of Minnesota campus, statewide Extension and research station offices, and other University-wide initiatives.

“We are proud that this year’s rankings illustrate — in a concrete way — the result of our hard work to tackle issues that are critically important to Minnesota and the world,” said Shane Stennes, the University’s chief sustainability officer. “We are making and following plans to address climate change on our campuses, advancing the ways we teach and learn about sustainability, developing solutions, and supporting communities to meet their challenges.”

A full overview of the rankings and the methodology can be found on the THE Impact Rankings website. Further details of the University’s work related to the SDGs are available on the University of Minnesota SDG Initiative website.