By: Carley Hutchison

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The University of Arkansas moved up one spot for public institutions in the latest version of U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. 

The U of A has been ranked among the nation’s top 100 public universities for the past two years. From rank 103 in 2024 to rank 100 in 2025 and now rank 99 in 2026, the rankings have been increasing over the past three years. 

With its new rank, the U of A is now tied with Oklahoma State, Washington State, and four other universities. 

“It’s exciting to see the progress being made across campus to advance our strategic goals,” Provost Indrajeet Chaubey said. 

This increase in ranking shows steps being made in the university’s 150 Forward plan, including preparing more students for post-graduation jobs and national recognition for academic programs. 

“I’m grateful for the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students as we focus on continuous improvement,” Chaubey said.

Several programs at the U of A have also continued to rise in this year’s rankings. 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program had the biggest jump in rankings, from being ranked 74th last year to moving up to 40th this year among public institutions. 

The Walton College undergraduate business program ranked 36th among public universities. 

Supply chain management and logistics kept their highly ranked spot at 10th nationally and 9th for public universities. 

Other programs in the top 100 for public universities include Management Information Systems, which is ranked 18th, Computer Science, which is ranked 62nd, and Undergraduate Engineering, which is ranked 64th. 

Along with the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, TIME also ranked the U of A, number 99, among public institutions in its 2027 Best Colleges ranking.