University News

University of New Haven Continues to Rise in U.S. News & World Report's Annual College Rankings

In U.S. News & World Report's 2021 "Best Colleges" rankings, the University is ranked #59 in the North region, up seven spots from last year and up nearly 40 spots from two years ago. The University was also recognized for its computer science and engineering programs, as well as its commitment to veterans.

September 14, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Students walking on campus
The University of New Haven has moved up seven spots in U.S. News & World Report's 2021 "Best Colleges" rankings.

The University of New Haven has moved up seven spots in U.S. News & World Report's 2021 "Best Colleges" rankings, coming in at #59 in the North region of more than 170 comprehensive universities that offer a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

This year’s increase follows a dramatic rise last year in which the University moved up almost 30 spots. It is the third consecutive year the University’s U.S. News ranking has improved, and the 11th consecutive year the University has been recognized by U.S. News in its annual college rankings, which are a go-to resource for high school students, families, and guidance counselors.

As part of its rankings, U.S. News & World Report assessed more than 1,400 bachelor's degree-granting schools in the U.S. on 17 measures of academic quality, including student/faculty ratios and graduation and retention rates.

"Our continued rise in the U.S. News rankings, in particular our dramatic rise during the past two years, is a clear indication of the significant value and relevance of a University of New Haven education."President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D.

In the 2021 rankings, the University's peer assessment – a reputation rating determined through surveys of senior leaders at peer schools in the University’s region – saw a significant improvement. That peer assessment rating accounts for 20 percent of how the rankings are calculated. The University's programs in public health, analytics, forensic science, engineering and cybersecurity have contributed to enhanced awareness of the University and its reputation in the region, across the country, and internationally. The University’s acceptance rate also improved.

The rankings also recognized the University’s engineering programs, which were ranked in the top third of non-doctoral programs accredited by ABET, a leading organization that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology, while the University’s undergraduate program in computer science ranked in in the top half of computer science programs accredited by ABET.

The University also moved up seven spots to #31 on the list of best colleges for veterans in the North region.

“Our continued rise in the U.S. News rankings, in particular our dramatic rise during the past two years, is a clear indication of the significant value and relevance of a University of New Haven education,” said President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D.. "Our high-achieving students, talented faculty and staff, and many distinguished alumni and stakeholders create a vibrant University community where innovation, engagement and creativity fuel our continued momentum.”

Recently, the University, which is continuing its yearlong Centennial celebration through the end of 2020, was again recognized by The Princeton Review in its annual rankings of the nation's top colleges.

Last month, Money Magazine included the University in its 2020 ranking of the best colleges in America. The magazine’s ranking is based on more than 20,000 data points, including career earnings and tuition. The list includes more than 700 schools – out of more than 4,300 across the country – that best combine quality education and affordability.

At the start of the semester, the University welcomed one of its largest incoming classes. It also officially opened the multi-disciplinary Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation, a cutting-edge facility featuring the most technologically advanced collaborative classrooms, engineering and science labs, video production studios, a makerspace, and an esports training and competition space.