---
title: Sweet No. 16
date: 2026-01-15T11:00:00-05:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://terp.umd.edu/sweet-no-16"
section: Articles
---
# Sweet No. 16

*January 15, 2026* — by [Terp Staff](/authors/terp-staff)


- *Photo by Dylan Singleton*

> UMD Hits All-time High in U.S. News Rankings


**THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND** achieved its highest-ever rankings from *U.S. News & World Report* in the influential 2026 “[Best Colleges](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges)” guide, climbing to No. 16 among public schools.

It also rose to No. 42 among national universities in the new list—up 22 spots since 2020.

The university now has a combined 69 top-25 rankings for its schools, colleges, programs and specialties, according to *U.S. News*.

The record-high rating is based on factors including improved student graduation and retention rates, increased spending on student educational experiences, higher faculty salaries and rising post-graduation student earnings.




**Issue:** [Winter 2026](https://terp.umd.edu/editions/winter-2026)


**Types:** [News](https://terp.umd.edu/category/news)