12 GA Colleges Among Best In Country, U.S. News Says In New Ranking

Twelve Georgia colleges were ranked among the top 100 in the country, according to new 2026 Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday by U.S. News & World Report.

The rankings evaluated 1,700 colleges and universities using more than a dozen measures of academic quality, U.S. News said in a news release.

This year in its rankings, U.S. News prioritized social mobility — that is, its record in enrolling and graduating students from all backgrounds with manageable debt — and post-graduate success, including earnings.

Here’s how Georgia schools fared in national rankings:

• Emory University, tied for 24th
• Georgia Institute of Technology, tied for 32nd
• University of Georgia, tied for 46th
• Mercer University, tied for 169th
• Georgia State University, tied for 198th
• Augusta University, tied for 273rd
• Clark Atlanta University, tied for 329th
• Georgia Southern University, tied for 343rd
• Kennesaw State University, tied for 373rd
• University of West Georgia, tied for 373rd
• Brenau University, tied for 395th-434th
• Valdosta State University, tied for 395th-434th

Included in the 2025 report are specialized rankings such as the best value schools, most innovative colleges, top performers on social mobility and historically Black colleges and universities, as well as universities with the greatest commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Other specialty rankings include programs that enhance student experiences, including first-year experiences, service learning, studying abroad and undergraduate research and creative projects.

Specialty rankings for Georgia were as follows:

• Georgia Institute of Technology, tied for ninth
• University of Georgia, tied for 19th
• Georgia State University, tied for 109th
• Augusta University, tied for 154th
• Georgia Southern University, tied for 187th
• Kennesaw State University, tied for 203rd
• University of West Georgia, tied for 203rd
• Valdosta State University, tied for 213th-225th

• Emory University, 21st
• Mercer University, 38th
• Georgia Institute of Technology, 108th
• University of Georgia, 142nd
• Georgia State University, 167th

Most Innovative Schools

• Georgia Institute of Technology, third
• Georgia State University, tied for 8th
• Emory University, tied for 31st
• University of Georgia, tied for 31st

The top national universities are:

1. Princeton University (New Jersey)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3. Harvard University (Massachusetts)
4 (tie). Stanford University (California)
4 (tie). Yale University (Connecticut)
6. University of Chicago (Illinois)
7 (tie). Duke University (North Carolina)
7 (tie). Johns Hopkins University (Maryland)
7 (tie). Northwestern University (Illinois)
7 (tie). University of Pennsylvania

LaMont Jones, managing editor for Education at U.S. News, said in a news release that for more than four decades, the publication’s rankings have served as a trusted, data-backed resource for students and their families as they navigate the complex college search process.

“Over the years, Best Colleges has evolved into a comprehensive tool that reflects the changing landscape of higher education, providing prospective students with a crucial starting point to identify schools that align with their academic and personal goals,” Jones said.

Read more about the methodology on U.S. News & World Report.

Related: Forbes Names 20 Colleges ‘New Ivies,’ Says Employers Prefer Them