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U.S. News Reveals 2026 College Rankings: Surprises and Stability

9/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges rankings assessed nearly 1,700 institutions, maintaining eight No. 1 positions across categories.
Florida Polytechnic University ranked as the top public college in the South for five years and second overall among public and private institutions.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke rose to No. 15 among public regional universities in the South.
The University of Arizona dropped 18 spots, now ranking below Arizona State University, which improved its position.
Columbia University did not participate in the rankings due to concerns about data accuracy.

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Story summary

U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges rankings assessed nearly 1,700 institutions, maintaining eight No. 1 positions across categories.
Florida Polytechnic University ranked as the top public college in the South for five years and second overall among public and private institutions.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke rose to No. 15 among public regional universities in the South.
The University of Arizona dropped 18 spots, now ranking below Arizona State University, which improved its position.
Columbia University did not participate in the rankings due to concerns about data accuracy.