The Ohio State University has maintained its position as one of the nation’s leading public institutions, ranking 15th among public universities and 41st overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings. The results reaffirm Ohio State’s standing as a national leader in academic excellence, affordability, and innovation.
“This ranking confirms what we know about our university, that Ohio State’s focus on academic excellence, investment in eminent faculty, and commitment to accessibility puts us in the top tier of American public higher education,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “An excellent Ohio State is good for students and families, it’s good for our communities, and it’s good for the strength and competitiveness of the workforce.”
Several of Ohio State’s programs earned top national distinctions. The College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing ranked No. 1 among public universities and No. 4 nationally, while the Fisher College of Business ranked No. 6 among public institutions and No. 12 overall. Within the business category, supply chain management placed 5th nationally, and production and operations management ranked 12th. The College of Engineering placed 15th among public universities and 28th nationwide.
Ohio State also continues to be recognized for its commitment to veterans, maintaining its position as 15th among public institutions and 22nd nationally for serving military-connected students. President Carter, a U.S. Navy veteran, emphasized the university’s strategic goal of becoming the nation’s top institution for veterans, describing Ohio State as “the first choice and gold standard for every veteran in America seeking postsecondary education and career transition.”
In addition, Ohio State ranked 21st among public universities and 42nd nationally for innovation, reflecting the university’s ongoing improvements in curriculum, research, and technology.
Now in its 41st year, the U.S. News Best Colleges report evaluated nearly 1,500 universities across 17 measures of academic quality, including graduation rates, faculty credentials, and student outcomes. Ohio State’s consistent performance underscores its reputation as one of the country’s most comprehensive and forward-looking public research universities.
