Case Western Reserve University named among world’s top universities by TIME
Editor's note: On Feb. 2, TIME recalculated these rankings "following a review of the Global Engagement metric (10% of the total score)." After this review, Case Western Reserve ranked #27 out of 500 institutions globally (#17 in the U.S.), but our article reflects the information originally provided.
TIME magazine named Case Western Reserve among the world’s best universities, placing the institution 25th globally in its World’s Top Universities of 2026 ranking.
The recognition ranks Case Western Reserve among a select group of institutions worldwide identified for long-term impact on students and society. Unlike rankings that emphasize admissions selectivity or institutional reputation, TIME’s approach focuses on outcomes—examining how universities shape graduates’ trajectories in innovation, leadership, earnings and public contribution over time.
“The ranking places emphasis on the extent to which students achieve extraordinary success, for instance in patenting new inventions or rising to leadership roles in business,” according to TIME.
The analysis also considers how institutions translate research into real-world impact and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully across sectors.
“We’re honored to receive this distinction, especially in the year in which we’re celebrating our 200th anniversary,” said CWRU President Eric W. Kaler. “This recognition reflects what has defined our university for two centuries: a commitment to rigorous inquiry, innovation and expanding opportunity. Our faculty and staff are deeply invested in preparing students not just for their first job, but for lives of impact—advancing knowledge, strengthening communities and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.”
TIME evaluated thousands of universities worldwide, with a ranking that reflects “a global perspective” on higher education, emphasizing universities as pipelines to innovation, leadership and societal influence.
While traditional rankings often provide a snapshot of institutional standing at the point of admission, TIME’s ranking offers a longer view—one that considers how universities contribute to individual opportunity and broader societal progress over time.
The full TIME World’s Best Universities 2026 ranking appears online and will be published in the magazine’s print edition.
