Arizona State University has once again been named the nation’s most innovative university by U.S. News & World Report, marking its 11th consecutive year in the top spot. The 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings place ASU ahead of institutions such as MIT and Stanford — a recognition based on peer evaluations of universities leading in curriculum, technology, campus life, and research innovation.
“Now more than ever, higher education needs new and better ways to move teaching, learning, and discovery forward,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “This ranking reflects our continued efforts to revolutionize knowledge creation and practice while navigating a rapidly changing landscape.”

ASU also ranked No. 3 among national public universities for first-year student experience, tied with Texas A&M and ahead of the University of Michigan and Purdue University. The university placed fifth among public institutions for co-ops and internships and eighth for learning communities, underscoring its focus on applied learning and workforce preparation.
The university’s reputation extends beyond innovation. ASU ranked No. 1 in the U.S. and top 10 globally for progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Times Higher Education 2025 Impact Rankings, maintaining that distinction for six consecutive years. It was also recognized as a “top performer” in global sustainability by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and ranked eighth in Washington Monthly’s “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars.”
In technology and workforce readiness, ASU placed fourth among public universities for developing digital and AI leaders and No. 2 nationally for employable graduates, according to the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey.
This year also marked several milestones for ASU’s research and partnerships. The university launched the Materials-to-Fab Center at its MacroTechnology Works facility in collaboration with Applied Materials, expanded its OpenAI partnership to give free ChatGPT access to all students and staff, and advanced new biomedical and environmental research — including AI-assisted diagnostic tools and heat resilience studies.
In academic program rankings, ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business retained its No. 2 national ranking for supply chain management and earned top-20 placements across multiple disciplines, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, software engineering, and cybersecurity.
ASU’s consistent recognition across innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence reinforces its role as a national model for accessible, future-focused higher education.