Penn State College of Engineering has climbed to No. 28 nationally in the 2026 “Best Graduate Schools” rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, moving up three positions from the previous year. The college also ranked No. 14 among public universities and retained its position as the top public engineering program in Pennsylvania.
The latest rankings highlight broad-based gains across the college’s academic units. Eight engineering departments placed within the top 25 of their respective disciplines, with the same number improving their positions year over year. Civil engineering recorded the largest increase, rising six places to No. 17.
Four disciplines ranked within the top 15 nationally, including nuclear engineering at No. 10, along with industrial/manufacturing engineering, agricultural engineering, and aerospace engineering, each ranked No. 13. These results reflect continued strength in both research output and industry-aligned programs.
Tonya L. Peeples, dean of the College of Engineering, said the improved rankings reflect the institution’s ability to deliver research impact and academic excellence at scale.
“The rise in graduate rankings for the College of Engineering and many of our programs is recognition of our achievement of excellence at scale and the impact we have on a national level,” she said. “Our faculty are exceptional not only as researchers but also as educators, and I am proud of everyone within our engineering community whose hard work contributes to making our graduate programs among the top in the country.”
The U.S. News graduate engineering rankings are based on a range of performance indicators, including research activity, faculty citations, recruiter assessments, faculty resources, and student selectivity. Peer assessment surveys also contribute to specialty rankings, evaluating academic quality, engagement, and institutional capabilities.
The 2026 results underscore Penn State’s continued positioning as a leading engineering institution, supported by sustained investment in research, faculty development, and program competitiveness.
