Driven by student and research success outcomes, UNC Charlotte has reached new heights in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday, Sept. 24.
UNC Charlotte climbed to No. 81 (tie) among U.S. public universities, a 15-spot improvement. Charlotte also received its highest U.S. News national ranking, climbing 26 spots to No. 152 (tie) among 434 public and private national universities.
Since 2020, Charlotte has climbed 76 spots overall, the fastest rising among any national university in the Carolinas. Charlotte’s ascent reflects significant progress across key U.S. News metrics including six-year graduation rate, first-year retention and reduction of graduate debt. The University’s growing research capabilities — particularly in areas such as citation impact — also have contributed.