September 23, 2025
St. John’s University continues to rise in the U.S. News & World Report education ranking of the nation’s top universities for key metrics including Best Value Schools, Social Mobility, Best Colleges for Veterans, and business programs.
In the just-released Best Colleges 2026 guidebook by U.S. News & World Report, St. John’s advanced to #151 on the list of national universities, up one notch from last year’s ranking of #152, and jumped an impressive 19 spots in the “Best Value Schools,” coming in at #164.
“Recognition in U.S. News & World Report affirms what our students, faculty, and alumni already know—that transformative excellence is not just a goal here, it’s a daily practice. Rankings may shine a temporary spotlight, but it is the people and purpose behind them that truly define the enduring mission of St. John’s,” stated Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President.
St. John’s is cited as a “Top Performer on Social Mobility,” ranked #49 among national universities—and closer to home is exceeded by only one other Catholic institution in New York and two other Catholic institutions in the United States in this critical measure.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 edition evaluates more than 1,700 US colleges and universities, using up to 17 key measures of academic quality for national universities, including retention and graduation rates; student-to-faculty ratios; earnings and debt; and standardized tests. Besides institution type and geographical location, U.S. News editors ranked colleges in other groupings, such as Best Value Schools, Top Public Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans.
“When talented faculty commit to the time-tested, transformative mission of St. John’s, the result is an engaging and uplifting learning experience for all,” stated Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The University’s insurance programs in the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science are ranked 11th among national programs on the “Best Undergraduate Insurance Programs” list and are the highest-ranked St. John’s programs cited. The undergraduate business program rankings were based solely on peer assessment surveys.
In a new ranking of finance programs, St. John’s is ranked #45 and undergraduate business programs offered in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business made an impressive leap from #147 to #109.
“Tobin’s rankings in insurance (#11) and finance (#45), along with the significant rise of our undergraduate business ranking (#109), demonstrate the distinct advantage of a St. John’s education in the heart of New York City,” said Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “Our students benefit from rigorous academics, direct access to leading firms, and a network of dedicated alumni. These national recognitions affirm that Tobin graduates are not only career ready, but also make an impact across industries.”
The University also garners accolades for “Best Colleges for Veterans” (ranked #106), and the psychology program continues its steady climb up the list of “Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs” (ranked #213, up from #229).
Related News
St. John’s Celebrates Cultures on Campus During International Education Week
International Education Week brings the St. John’s University community together for a series of programs that highlight the many cultures and backgrounds represented across the Queens, NY, campus.
Staying Human: VCSJ Lecturer Unpacks the Catholic Response to AI
If the first Industrial Revolution forced the Church to confront the dignity of workers, the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution demands something even bolder: a renewed defense of the human person. That was the message from Joseph M. Vukov, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Philosophy and Associate Director, The Hank Center for The Catholic Intellectual Heritage, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, during his lecture, “The Catholic Intellectual Tradition in an Era of AI.”
Institute for Catholic Schools Provides Educational Resources to Local Catholic School
The Institute for Catholic Schools (ICS) in The School of Education at St. John’s University recently donated approximately $2,800 worth of academic and sensory learning tools to Father Vincent...