Kent State University remains the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio, according to the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
In the newly released rankings, Kent State continues to be recognized among the Top Public Schools in the nation. Kent State ranks No. 128 among U.S. public institutions, making it the highest-ranked institution in northern Ohio on the list.
“This year’s rankings reaffirm Kent State’s place as the top public university in northern Ohio and one of the best institutions in the nation,” Kent State President Todd Diacon said. “Our faculty and staff are focused every day on giving students the tools and support they need to succeed, and these results are a testament to that work.”
Kent State is also named to the Best National Universities list in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings. Kent State ranks No. 236 among all public and private universities in the nation. Kent State is again the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio on the Best National Universities list.
In addition, Kent State is recognized on numerous lists in the 2027 Best Colleges edition, with four programs ranked in the top 200 in the country. Kent State ranks No. 115 on the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs list, moving up three spots and making it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio. On the Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs list, Kent State jumps up an impressive 53 spots to No. 143, making it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio. Kent State makes its debut on the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Doctorate) list. Kent State is included on the Best Undergraduate Business Programs list as the highest-ranked public institution in Northeast Ohio.
In addition, Kent State moves up a notable 28 spots on the Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs list, making it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio. Among national universities, Kent State is also included on the Top Performers on Social Mobility list. This list measures how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students.
Kent State’s impressive rankings and strong academic reputation align with the university’s focus on offering students a world-class academic experience paired with personalized student support.
This latest edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, now in its 42nd year, evaluates more than 1,700 colleges and universities using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success.
Find information about the U.S. News 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
