The University of California’s undergraduate campuses have again been recognized among the top public universities in the United States, according to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released on September 22. UC Berkeley and UCLA lead the list as the top two public universities nationwide, with seven UC campuses ranking in the top 25 and all nine undergraduate campuses in the top 45.
This marks the sixth consecutive year that all nine UC undergraduate campuses are included in the top 100 of universities across the country. The rankings considered more than 1,700 four-year bachelor’s degree-granting institutions.
UC campuses also achieved high marks for social mobility—a measure of how well schools support lower-income students in earning degrees and improving their economic prospects. UC Riverside was ranked first nationally for social mobility, while UC Merced placed third. All nine undergraduate campuses were recognized for their performance in this category.
“These rankings affirm the University of California’s place as the crown jewel of public higher education not only in California, but the entire United States,” said UC President James B. Milliken. “Our campuses deliver life-changing education to students from all walks of life, resulting in opportunities that benefit them, their families, and their communities.”
According to U.S. News & World Report’s campus-specific data:
– UC Berkeley is ranked No. 1 among public universities (No. 15 overall).
– UCLA is No. 2 (No. 17 overall).
– Other high-ranking UC schools include UC San Diego (No. 6), UC Davis and UC Irvine (tied at No. 9), and UC Santa Barbara (No. 14) among public institutions.
– Newer campus UC Merced is now ranked No. 25 among public universities and No. 57 overall.
“We are honored to once again be recognized as the nation’s top public university,” said Rich Lyons, Chancellor of UC Berkeley upon release of the rankings. “The data affirm all that Berkeley does as a powerful engine of economic mobility, and provider of affordable world-class education, accessible to all. We are proud of our pioneering research on society’s top challenges, shaping solutions that directly support our economy and the health, well-being and security of the American people.”
UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz commented on his campus’s milestone: “These rankings affirm what we see every day. UC Merced is providing students with a well-rounded world-class education and ensuring that students from all backgrounds can succeed,” he said.“Our momentum continues to grow, and we are proud to represent the future of higher education in California and beyond.”
UC has established a reputation for enrolling large numbers of low-income and first-generation college students—and helping them graduate at nearly equal rates compared to other groups within four years or less after finishing school.
At both UC Riverside (51%) and UC Merced (64%), more than half of incoming undergraduates receive Pell Grants designed for low-income students—factors contributing to these schools’ strong showing on social mobility measures.
A majority of low-income graduates from across University of California campuses earn more than their parents within four years after graduation; by ten years out they typically double family incomes from before college entry.
Among financial aid initiatives offered by University system: about two-thirds (67%) from class graduating spring 2025 finished without student loan debt.
For veterans seeking higher education opportunities post-service, several University system locations—Berkeley (#4), UCLA (#5), San Diego (#11), Davis/Irvine (#16 tie)—ranked highly nationally as welcoming environments for former service members pursuing degrees.
Recent polling by Institute of Governmental Studies found most Californians agree that attending a University campus helps students get ahead; about seventy percent would recommend it to friends or relatives considering college options while three-quarters who graduated say it was worth its cost.
U.S.News uses up to seventeen factors—including graduation rates, student debt levels upon graduation,and post-graduate earnings—to compile its annual comparative analysis which covers over forty years’ worth evaluation tradition targeting prospective undergraduates evaluating options across America.
Further details about individual campus performance can be found through official sources including universityofcalifornia.edu.
