MADISON, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities for undergraduate education in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
The rankings, released Tuesday, placed UW-Madison No. 34 overall among 422 public and private doctoral institutions and No. 8 among public universities. It is the university’s highest placement in the Best Colleges rankings in nearly two decades.
Other UW-Madison undergraduate programs ranked in the top 25 nationally included nursing, economics, business, computer science, engineering and psychology.
Interim Chancellor Eric M. Wilcots said the university’s affordability rankings reflect options available to families, including Bucky’s Pell Pathway and Bucky’s Tuition Promise, programs designed to help low-income students pursue higher education.
“These rankings—while only one measure of a school’s success—reflect the incredible breadth of educational programs, research opportunities and cross-campus collaborations that make UW-Madison unique,” Wilcots said. “From real estate to psychology, nursing to engineering, and in every discipline on campus, we are dedicated to excellence and preparing today’s learners to be tomorrow’s forward-looking leaders.”
The Wisconsin School of Business’ undergraduate real estate program retained its No. 1 ranking for the fifth consecutive year. Its undergraduate insurance and risk management program rose two places to No. 1.
UW rose 23 places to 24th in the "Best Value Schools" ranking and also ranked fourth in the country for "Best Value Schools for In-State Students." Wilcots said the university's high placement in these categories can be attributed to affordable routes families can take, such as Bucky's Pell Pathway and Bucky's Tuition Promise—these programs were designed for low-income students pursue their education.
MADISON, Wis -- School officials from Dane County, along with chancellors and the Universiti…
UW-Madison also improved its rankings for faculty resources, student outcomes and faculty research. In the Best Colleges for Veterans rankings, the university ranked No. 8 among public universities and No. 16 overall.
U.S. News annually ranks specific undergraduate programs based on reputation surveys. Deans and senior faculty members at participating institutions rate peer institutions on a scale from 1, or marginal, to 5, or distinguished.
For computer science, business, economics and engineering, respondents may also nominate programs in specialty areas within their disciplines.
People may visit the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges rankings and U.S. News’ rankings methodology for more information.
COPYRIGHT 2026 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.