VCU ranked among top 100 public universities, recognized as a ‘best value’ by U.S. News & World Report

By Brian McNeill

In U.S. News & World Report's 2027 Best Colleges rankings, Virginia Commonwealth University is among the top 100 public universities in the country and also ranked as one of the top 100 best value schools for in-state students.

"This national recognition highlights the strength of the VCU learning experience and our dedication to student success," said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. "A VCU degree is a powerful investment in the future. We are proud to prove every day that educational excellence and real-world, professionally centered experience should be within reach for anyone with the work ethic and drive to succeed."

In the rankings, published today, VCU tied for No. 79 on the list of best public universities and No. 156 on the overall ranking of best national universities.

"VCU's continued rankings among the top universities in the country are a testament to the dedication and talent of our incredible faculty and staff," said Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and provost. "With top 50 rankings in 23 different categories, we continue to be recognized for what we do best. While they don't always tell the whole story, they are clear proof points in support of the impact of this university's mission: to provide accessible, world-class education and support transformative, life-changing research."

Five of VCU's undergraduate programs were nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, with the School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program moving up 13 spots to tie for No. 27 in the U.S.

"Our rise to No. 27 is a powerful affirmation of the momentum and excellence of the VCU School of Nursing," said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing. "This recognition belongs to our entire community - our outstanding faculty and staff, our talented students and alumni, and the partners who help us transform healthcare through nursing education, research and practice."

The four additional VCU undergraduate programs that were ranked this year are business in the School of Business (tied for No. 116), computer science (tied for No. 141) and engineering (tied for No. 102) in the College of Engineering, and psychology (tied for No. 103) in the College of Humanities and Sciences.

Not all programs receive updated rankings each year. Collectively, VCU ranks among the top 50 in 23 categories across graduate programs, online programs and undergraduate programs.

VCU was ranked No. 92 on the list of best value schools for in-state students, a new category for 2027 that considers factors such as academic quality, net price, tuition and fees, and financial aid.

VCU also was ranked No. 110 on the list of best colleges for veterans. VCU is designated as a Military Friendly School, earning a gold award for being in the top tier of institutions based on factors including retention, graduation, job placement, loan default rates and more. Including dependents along with veterans, VCU enrolls one of the highest populations of military-affiliated students in Virginia.

In 2026, U.S. News & World Report listed VCU programs in several of its national rankings.

In June, it ranked VCU among the world's top 20% of universities in its 2026-27 list of Best Global Universities.

And in April, its rankings of 2026 Best Graduate Schools included 18 programs at VCU among the nation's top 50, including the School of the Arts (No. 2).

Also, in August, it named VCU Medical Center a 2026-2027 Best Hospital, ranking No. 1 in Virginia.