The latest college rankings from U.S. News & World Report brought several gains for the University of St. Thomas, including a new distinction: Minnesota’s top-ranked private university.
St. Thomas ranks No. 78 nationally on the publication’s new Top Private Colleges list, the highest among Minnesota private institutions classified as National Universities. The university also remains the state’s No. 1 Best Value, according to the 2026-27 Best Colleges rankings.
As Minnesota's largest private university, St. Thomas also ranks No. 16 among Catholic universities in the Best Value category, and No. 156 overall among all national universities.
Other highlights include St. Thomas’ College of Engineering ranking No. 26 among undergraduate engineering programs at schools without a doctorate program. This marks the 13th consecutive year the program has ranked among the top 50 nationally in its category.
The Opus College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences’ economics, psychology and computer science programs were also nationally recognized. Additionally, the university is ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges for Veterans and Top Performers on Social Mobility.
The annual Best Colleges rankings compare colleges and universities on academic quality, value and student outcomes. U.S. News bases the Best Value ranking on academic quality and the cost of attendance for students receiving need-based financial aid. That measure is particularly relevant as St. Thomas works to expand access to a private university education.
