Jefferson Climbs in 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking

Thomas Jefferson University has jumped several spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

“We have many success stories to tell,” says University President Dr. Susan Aldridge. “The rankings validate the success we’ve had in the past year, including our record enrollment, national recognition for our research and new academic programs.”

Jefferson climbed four places to No. 132 in the overall rank—national universities category, placing the University in the top 30% of the country. U.S. News bases this rank on various metrics, including graduation rates, peer assessment, first-year retention rates, financial resources per student and faculty salaries.

“I’m extremely proud,” Dr. Aldridge says. “The rankings demonstrate the value for investment our students and families receive when they attend Thomas Jefferson University.”

Jefferson also leapt 26 spots to No. 110 in the U.S. News’ social mobility category for national universities, which assesses how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students.

Dr. Aldridge attributes this improvement to several factors, including Jefferson’s work attracting a diverse student population and more first-generation students and, notably, its 98% success rate for recent undergrads entering the workforce or attending graduate school.

“That’s a phenomenal statistic,” she says. “When students and their families think of careers of the future, they need to choose Jefferson. It means the University is aligned with the job market.”

The latest rankings continue a trend of national recognition for Jefferson. Earlier this year, several programs climbed in the annual Best Graduate Schools Rankings by U.S. News, including:

• The Midwifery and Women’s Health Programs jumped seven spots to No. 22 in the country.
• Public Health moved up four places to No. 84.
• Physician Assistant Studies soared 49 spots to No. 93.
• The College of Nursing rose nine spots to No. 92 for its DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Plus, the College of Nursing ranked No. 17 in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, No. 8 in Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s Programs, and No. 10 in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans, according to the 2025 Best Online Programs by U.S. News.

In addition, CEOWORLD magazine named Jefferson among the Best Fashion Schools in the World for 2025.

Dr. Aldridge says Jefferson’s faculty and staff deserve tremendous credit for their work in supporting students and ensuring their success.

“There’s something very special in the DNA at Thomas Jefferson University,” she says. “Our students frequently talk about it. They say, ‘My professors and staff know me. They care about me and my success.’”