CWRU jumps in latest U.S. News & World Report rankings

As Case Western Reserve University continues to graduate well-prepared students who go on to exceptional careers, this outcomes-centric focus is being recognized nationally, as U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings place Case Western Reserve No. 44 in the country. This seven-spot jump is based in part on methodology changes in the publication to increase emphasis on graduation rates—an area where CWRU has shown recent positive growth.

Released today, U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 “Best Colleges” list ranks national universities—those offering degrees from undergraduate to doctoral—overall, as well as in particular areas of study or other categories.

“Obviously no single list can fully demonstrate the exceptional work happening in classrooms, labs and clinical spaces across our campus, I am pleased this ranking recognizes areas that matter most: preparing students to graduate and excel in their careers,” said President Eric W. Kaler, the Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair. “I also appreciate that rankings like these continue to raise awareness nationally and internationally about the value of a Case Western Reserve University education.”

The seven-spot jump is among the biggest gains in the top 50 national universities. 

In addition, U.S. News & World Report for the first time this year categorized public vs. private universities, with Case Western Reserve No. 31 in the U.S. among privates. The university also ranked No. 36 overall for undergraduate research and creative projects—marking an eight-position leap over last year.

The publication also ranked a host of undergraduate programs, with Case Western Reserve appearing in the top 50 multiple times:

• No. 12 in nursing (up one)
• No. 23 in biomedical engineering (down six)
• No. 39 in business (up two)
• No. 43 in marketing (new ranking)

Of note, these rankings rely heavily on qualitative peer assessments rather than quantitative data.

This latest national ranking comes amidst a number of meaningful recognitions for CWRU. Over the past year, Case Western Reserve has been recognized as the fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities; been named a “New Ivy” by Forbes for preparing students sought after by employers; and ranked among TIME magazine’s top 25 universities in the U.S. based on student outcomes. 

“This latest ranking is another recognition of the exceptional work of our faculty in educating our students and advancing our research,” said Provost Joy K. Ward. “It’s fitting to have this recognition in our bicentennial year, and I’m eager to see the momentum we will have in the years ahead.”