The University of Maryland was ranked No. 42 in best national universities by U.S. News, its highest placement yet, according to the 2026 rankings released Tuesday.
The university rose two spots from its No. 44 ranking last year. It also earned a spot at No. 16 on U.S. News’ top public university rankings, the list read, one spot higher than last year.
According to a campuswide email sent to students on Tuesday, this university has climbed more than 20 spots in the national rankings since 2020.
“When Terps work together toward excellence, extraordinary things happen,” university president Darryll Pines and senior vice president and provost Jennifer King Rice wrote in the email.
Pines and Rice highlighted the university’s investments in faculty and its prioritization of financial resources for programs that support learning, engagement and opportunity.
The university has now achieved a total of 69 top-25 rankings among its schools, colleges, programs and specialities, which students often take into account during the college application process, according to a university news release published Tuesday.
At No. 42, the university shares its ranking with Boston University, University of Washington and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, according to the 2026 list.
“Rankings are but one measure of our university’s success, but offer important insight into our commitment to supporting our people, strengthening our academic foundation and making investments that drive impact in our communities and around the world,” Pines and Rice wrote in Tuesday’s email.
