Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University has improved its standing in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2026 rankings, moving up to #151 among national universities, compared to last year’s position at #152. The university also saw a significant rise in the “Best Value Schools” category, advancing 19 places to #164.

“Recognition in U.S. News & World Report affirms what our students, faculty, and alumni already know—that transformative excellence is not just a goal here, it’s a daily practice. Rankings may shine a temporary spotlight, but it is the people and purpose behind them that truly define the enduring mission of St. John’s,” said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President.

St. John’s was recognized as a “Top Performer on Social Mobility,” ranking #49 among national universities for this measure. Within New York, only one other Catholic institution ranked higher on social mobility; nationally, two Catholic institutions exceeded St. John’s in this category.

The U.S. News & World Report evaluates more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States using up to 17 metrics related to academic quality such as retention rates, graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, graduate earnings and debt levels, and standardized test scores.

In terms of business education programs at St. John’s University, the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management received recognition with its insurance programs ranked 11th nationally—the highest among St. John’s cited programs—based on peer assessment surveys for undergraduate business program rankings.

For finance education specifically, St. John’s achieved a new ranking at #45 nationwide for its finance program offerings through The Peter J. Tobin College of Business; meanwhile its overall undergraduate business program moved from #147 last year to #109 this year.

“Tobin’s rankings in insurance (#11) and finance (#45), along with the significant rise of our undergraduate business ranking (#109), demonstrate the distinct advantage of a St. John’s education in the heart of New York City,” said Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “Our students benefit from rigorous academics, direct access to leading firms, and a network of dedicated alumni. These national recognitions affirm that Tobin graduates are not only career ready, but also make an impact across industries.”

Additionally, St. John’s was acknowledged among “Best Colleges for Veterans” at #106 nationally and saw continued improvement in psychology program rankings at #213 for undergraduate psychology programs (up from last year’s position at #229).