UCLA and UC Berkeley Tie for Top Public University Ranking

UCLA and the University of California, Berkeley, have tied for the No. 1 spot as the best public universities in the United States, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" rankings. Both institutions were recognized for their strong graduation rates, faculty resources, and overall performance.

The universities also tied for 20th place in the overall national rankings, which include both public and private institutions. The University of California system demonstrated a strong presence overall, with five of its campuses securing places among the top 10 public universities nationally. Furthermore, all nine undergraduate UC campuses were ranked within the top 50 public universities and within the top 125 of all four-year institutions evaluated across the country.

UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk commented on the ranking, stating, "Rankings are gratifying, but what makes UCLA exceptional is the extraordinary community behind them." He added, "To stand atop the list of the nation’s public universities is an honor, and it reinforces our responsibility to continue expanding opportunity, advancing knowledge and serving society."

In addition to overall rankings, UC institutions also led in social mobility metrics, which assess how effectively colleges help lower-income students graduate and achieve financial success. UC Riverside was ranked No. 1 nationally for social mobility, followed by UC Merced in fourth place.

University of California President James B. Milliken stated, "The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings once again show why UC is the leading university in the world."

Nationally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) earned the top overall spot in the rankings, followed by Princeton, Harvard, and Yale universities. The California Institute of Technology and Stanford University tied for fifth place.