The U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges list ranks UNC No. 1 for best value among public institutions and No. 4 overall among public universities in the United States. UNC has been ranked among the top five public universities for 24 consecutive years, and its No. 4 ranking represents a step up from No. 5 on the previous year’s list.

“Rising from No. 5 to No. 4 in these rankings clearly shows the impact of our public mission and the hard work of our students, faculty and staff,” said UNC chancellor Lee Roberts. “Holding strong as the No. 1 public university for best value affirms our relentless pursuit of an accessible, affordable education. Our goal is to be the nation’s best public university, and this recognition shows we are on the right path. I am grateful to everyone whose dedication continues to drive Carolina forward.”

Additional high rankings for UNC include:

  • No. 4 (tied) for Bachelor of Science in nursing
  • No. 7 in management
  • No. 7 (tied) in marketing
  • No. 8 (tied) for undergraduate business
  • No. 8 in finance
  • No. 8 (tied) for best colleges for veterans
  • No. 10 in real estate

The 2026 Best Colleges list evaluated more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the country using more than a dozen factors. Among all private and public colleges in the United States, UNC ranked No. 26 overall. To read the U.S. News & World Report’s full list, click here.

 

Featured image via UNC-Chapel Hill

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