Eleven Illinois Universities Shines in Global University Rankings
Eleven Illinois Universities have secured spots in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 edition of the Best Global Universities rankings. The latest list evaluated over 2,250 institutions across more than 100 countries, with a focus on academic research and global reputation. China led the pack with 397 universities, followed by the United States with 280, India with 118, Japan with 104, and the United Kingdom with 93.
Among the Illinois institutions, Northwestern University in Evanston ranked highest at #24, followed closely by the University of Chicago at #26. Other notable appearances include the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at #109 and the University of Illinois Chicago at #261. The list also features Rush University (#500), Illinois Institute of Technology (#785), and Loyola University Chicago (#908). Rounding out the Illinois contingent are Northern Illinois University (#1,195), Southern Illinois University Carbondale (#1,451), DePaul University (#1,845), and Illinois State University (#1,945).
Eleven Illinois Universities of U.S. and U.K. Dominate the Global Top 10
The top 10 positions in the global rankings were largely dominated by American and British institutions. Harvard University claimed the top spot, followed by MIT, Stanford University, and the University of Oxford. The list also featured the University of Cambridge, UC Berkeley, University College London, the University of Washington, Seattle, Yale University, and Columbia University. These universities continue to set the standard for academic excellence and research impact on an international scale.
In addition to the overall rankings, subject-specific categories saw expanded coverage this year. Eight new academic disciplines, including artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, agricultural sciences, and gastroenterology, were featured. This broader scope reflects the growing demand for specialization in higher education and showcases universities’ strengths in specific research areas.
Why the Rankings Matter?
According to LaMont Jones, Managing Editor for Education at U.S. News, the rankings serve as a valuable resource for students worldwide. “The Best Global Universities rankings provide valuable benchmarks for students considering international study options or seeking institutions with a strong global research impact,” he said in a press statement.
Jones emphasized that these rankings not only help students identify globally recognized institutions but also assist in choosing universities that can launch successful international careers. With cross-border collaboration and research becoming more essential in today’s academic and professional landscape, such evaluations help in making informed decisions about higher education.
The presence of 11 Illinois universities in the global spotlight reinforces the state’s status as a hub for academic excellence and innovation on the world stage.
