UNC Charlotte earns highest-ever U.S. News public ranking

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — UNC Charlotte has achieved its highest-ever ranking among U.S. public institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Charlotte rose seven spots to No. 74 among public research universities and climbed nine spots to No. 143 among all national universities. The University is one of only three public research institutions in North Carolina ranked in the top 75.

“This is more than a number,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “It reflects the focus, innovation and relentless commitment of our faculty and staff to student success and research excellence. Charlotte is rising, and we are doing it with purpose.”

Charlotte was also named one of the nation’s most innovative schools, climbing seven places to No. 38.

Charlotte continues to earn recognition for expanding access and opportunity, too, ranking No. 69 in the nation for social mobility. Several of Charlotte’s undergraduate programs, including business, engineering, nursing and psychology, are also ranked among the nation’s top public programs.

Since 2020, Charlotte has climbed 85 spots overall, the fastest rise among any national university in the Carolinas.