Auburn rises in U.S. News and World Report 2021 Best Colleges rankings

Published: September 15, 2020

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Auburn University improved its ranking among the top 50 public universities by U.S. News and World Report in its annual Best College rankings for 2021, rising four spots from last year. In the most recent edition, released this week, Auburn is ranked No. 40 among all public universities and No. 97 among all universities in the country. Last year, Auburn was ranked No. 44 among public universities and No. 104 nationally.

The rankings come as the university continues to advance its academic, research and outreach missions despite challenges posed by the global pandemic. After welcoming students back to campus last month, Auburn remains focused on fostering student success while implementing multiple measures to promote a safe campus environment.

In addition to national rankings, the annual update also includes institutional rankings in a range of other categories, many of which Auburn also received high marks. Undergraduate programs in the Harbert College of Business and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering were both ranked No. 53 nationally, while the undergraduate computer science program was listed at No. 87, the highest among public universities in Alabama.

One of the most widely referenced measurements of undergraduate programs, the U.S. News & World Report annual rankings are based on quality markers such as faculty information, social mobility, alumni giving and academic reputation. Metrics also used to determine rankings include retention and graduation rates, areas in which Auburn remains strong.

Submitted by: Julie Huff