Wayne State University maintains position as a top 100 public university in latest U.S. News & World Report ranking

Wayne State University has retained its ranking as one of the top 100 public universities in the country in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings, which were released Sept. 23. The university - now ranked at No. 98 - achieved its highest ever USNWR ranking last year, and has held strong.

The ranking among public universities is further bolstered by Wayne State's No. 62 ranking in social mobility. The ranking holds steady with last year's placement, making WSU among the top 2% of national institutions for social mobility and the leader in Michigan, highlighting the transformative impact of a Wayne State degree to put students from all walks of life ahead of where they started.

"As we continue to increase overall enrollment, this national recognition highlights the excellent education and experience we offer to students, and the life-changing potential of a Wayne State degree," said Richard A. Bierschbach, interim president and John W. Reed Professor of Law. "Wayne State's impressive rankings are a testament to the quality of our research and academics and the talent and successes of our entire campus community."

WSU's overall national university ranking also held strong - at No. 179 - placing the university in the top 10% of four-year institutions. The university also ranked within the top 500 global universities, showcasing Wayne State's growing international reputation for research and academics.

On the heels of a third year of consecutive enrollment growth, the groundbreaking of the Health Sciences Research Building, and the launch of the Grand Challenges research initiative and an innovative guaranteed admission program with Detroit Public Schools Community District, the rankings come at a time of great momentum and progress at WSU. Earlier this year, the university retained its prestigious Carnegie research classification, which it has held for more than 30 years, in addition to the highest classification for community engagement.

"We are excited to continue building on Wayne State's rich history of academic and research excellence," said provost and executive vice president for academic affairs Dr. Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo. "These rankings reflect what we already know: Wayne State is a leader - locally, nationally and globally - in advancing knowledge and supporting student success."