Iowa holds two top-10 programs in ‘US News’ rankings of best universities

The University of Iowa improved its national ranking to No. 33 among public universities, while for the second consecutive year boasting the top public writing program in the country and a top-10 nursing program in the latest rankings published by U.S. News and World Report.

The rankings factor in numerous variables for the nation’s public and private universities, including student outcomes (such as rates of graduation and retention), assessment by academic peers, faculty resources, overall financial resources, ACT/SAT scores, high school class standing, and alumni giving.

From last year, the university improved its overall ranking one spot (up from No. 34), as well as its graduation and retention rate, predicted six-year graduation rate, social mobility rank, faculty resource rank, and student excellence rating.

“It’s gratifying to see improvement in the outcomes that matter most to our students and families, which is creating an environment that retains students and keeps them on path to graduating in four years,” says Iowa President Barb Wilson. “We will continue to invest in programs that help students achieve success during their time at Iowa and after they graduate.”

Iowa was 10^th overall in writing in the disciplines, and for the second consecutive year was named the top public institution. The UI was the only public institution to make the list, joining universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Duke.

Iowa is known as “The Writing University” largely because of world-renowned graduate programs such as the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and Nonfiction Writing Program, but the university’s commitment to helping all students build strong writing and communication skills is evident across campus and in every field of study.

“We’ve long known Iowa’s excellence in writing is unparalleled, but it’s nice to be listed among other elites,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “Even more importantly, Iowa’s writing-related resources benefit all our students, regardless of their field of study. Employers are looking for strong communicators in every field and Iowa students graduate with an advantage.”

In a new ranking this year, the report placed Iowa’s undergraduate bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program 10th overall. This ranking was based on the survey results of deans and senior faculty members of nursing schools and departments at institutions across the country.

With a national reputation for excellence, the UI College of Nursing is one of the premier institutions in the country for nursing education. The college’s innovative undergraduate programs are taught by world-renowned faculty who are widely recognized for their contributions in advancing the profession. Several of the college’s graduate practice programs also rank among the best in the nation.

The university is ranked 83rd among all public and private universities, up five spots from last year’s No. 88 placing.

In undergraduate business programs, the Tippie College of Business ranks 36^th among all public and private universities, with its business analytics program making its debut at 33rd overall. The accounting program was ranked 50^th.

In undergraduate engineering programs at universities that also offer doctoral programs, Iowa ranked 63^rdoverall, up six spots from 2021. According to the report, research at the graduate level often influences the undergraduate curriculum, and engineering schools with doctoral programs tend to have the widest possible range of undergraduate engineering courses and program offerings.

In undergraduate computer science programs, Iowa ranked No. 71. A fast-growing course of study at Iowa, the program has roughly 800 undergraduate majors. Graduates of this program join many computer and technology-related professions that are identified as in-need throughout the state of Iowa.

The report also lists Iowa on the Best Colleges for Veterans list, where Iowa jumped 10 spots from last year to No. 46.

The university also is among the colleges and universities named as a Best Value.

The full rankings and methodology can be found on the U.S. News website.