Auburn, Alabama, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Auburn University has secured impressive rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report, placing #102 among National Universities and #49 among Top Public Schools. The university earned accolades for specific programs such as #57 in Engineering and #40 in Nursing. With nearly 28,000 undergraduates enrolled, Auburn demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence. Other Alabama institutions like UAB and the University of Alabama also received commendable rankings, highlighting the educational standards within the state.
Auburn, Alabama — Auburn University has achieved notable rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report, placing #102 among National Universities and #49 among Top Public Schools. This ranking highlights Auburn’s constant commitment to academic excellence and institutional values.
In addition to its overall rankings, Auburn University has received specific accolades for various programs, including #180 in Best Value Schools, #57 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #40 in Nursing, and #139 in Economics. The university also performed well in areas such as First-Year Experiences, where it scored a tie for #39, and was ranked #67 for Best Colleges for Veterans. Other rankings include #58 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, #48 in Most Innovative Schools, and #403 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
The enrollment figures indicate a robust student body, with 27,907 undergraduate students recorded in fall 2024. Auburn University is recognized for its competitive admissions process, ranking #46 nationally for the lowest acceptance rate, with an acceptance rate of 44%. Currently, Auburn offers test-optional admissions for fall 2026 but plans to require standardized test scores starting in fall 2027.
This year’s rankings evaluated over 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States based on key metrics that measure academic quality and institutional performance.
Other Alabama institutions also received attention in the rankings. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) ranked #132 in National Universities and tied for #68 in Top Public Schools. UAB’s Nursing program is particularly distinguished, coming in at #13, and the university is also ranked #91 in Best Colleges for Veterans and #204 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. The University of Alabama secured a ranking of #169 in National Universities and #92 in Top Public Schools, with respect to specific programs ranking #22 in Nursing and #112 in Economics.
Samford University ranked #179 in National Universities and #105 in Best Value Schools, with its Nursing program tied at #118. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded over $380 million to Alabama researchers in fiscal year 2024, generating an estimated $916 million in economic activity across the state. UAB received the largest share of NIH grants, totaling $334,417,936 through 615 grants during the same timeframe.
Proposed cuts to the “indirect costs” associated with NIH research grants could significantly impact funding for research activities in Alabama. A federal judge has temporarily paused these proposed cuts while a court case is ongoing. Currently, UAB’s indirect cost rate is set at 48.5%, which could drop dramatically to 15% under the proposed changes, creating risks for essential services that support research. UAB representatives have also pointed out the potential negative ramifications of funding cuts on patient care and the retention of qualified healthcare professionals.
NIH research funding has been pivotal at a national level, contributing to $94.58 billion in economic activity during fiscal year 2024.
Ranking Overview: Auburn University and Other Alabama Colleges
| Institution | National Universities | Top Public Schools | Specific Program Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | #102 | #49 | Best Value (#180), Engineering (#57), Nursing (#40), Economics (#139) |
| UAB | #132 | #68 | Nursing (#13), Colleges for Veterans (#91), Social Mobility (#204) |
| University of Alabama | #169 | #92 | Nursing (#22), Economics (#112) |
| Samford University | #179 | N/A | Best Value (#105), Nursing (#118) |
FAQ
What are Auburn University’s rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report?
Auburn University ranked #102 in National Universities and #49 among Top Public Schools.
How did Auburn perform in specific program rankings?
Auburn University is ranked #180 in Best Value Schools, #57 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, #40 in Nursing, and #139 in Economics.
How many undergraduate students are enrolled at Auburn University?
Auburn enrolled 27,907 undergraduate students in fall 2024.
What is the acceptance rate at Auburn University?
Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 44%.
What are UAB’s rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report?
UAB ranked #132 in National Universities and tied for #68 in Top Public Schools.
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Additional Resources
- ABC 33/40: Auburn, UAB, Alabama, and Samford Shine in 2026 College Rankings
- Montgomery Advertiser: What Is the Best College in Alabama? Rankings for Auburn, UAB, and UA
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Alabama University National Rankings
- AL.com: It’s Time for Alabama and Auburn to Start Spending Their Millions at Home
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. News College Rankings
- Google Search: Auburn University
- Google Scholar: College Rankings
- Google News: Auburn University
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