Rochester Institute of Technology Achieves Notable Ranking in 2026 U.S. News & World Report
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has been distinguished as a premier “National University,” achieving an impressive ascent to the 88th position in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
This esteemed publication has also recognized RIT for its exceptional value, excellence in game design and simulation, and pioneering experiential learning opportunities through co-ops and internships.
This latest ranking marks RIT’s highest position to date, reflecting a commendable advancement of three spots from the previous year.
With over 400 institutions categorized under National Universities, this classification encompasses colleges that provide a comprehensive array of undergraduate majors along with master’s and doctoral programs, all while emphasizing faculty research or the conferral of professional practice doctorates. The 2026 edition comprises evaluations of more than 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide.
RIT’s Noteworthy Rankings
- No. 3 in game design/simulation. Programs in this realm concentrate on game programming interwoven with core computing education, adequately preparing students for careers across the gaming, simulation, modeling, training, and visualization fields.
- No. 5 for co-ops and internships. These initiatives provide college students with enriching academic experiences beyond traditional classrooms. Research indicates that such enhanced engagements correlate with improved student success and favorable learning outcomes, per U.S. News. Last year, RIT was ranked No. 6 in this category.
- No. 42 for “Most Innovative.” In this category, U.S. News solicited insights from top university officials to identify institutions making significant advancements in curriculum, faculty development, student engagement, campus life, technological integration, or facility enhancement.
- No. 43 for “Best Value.” This ranking evaluates academic quality, the percentage of full-time undergraduate students receiving need-based financial aid during the 2024-2025 academic year, along with the average discount derived from the sticker price for full-time undergraduates availing of need-based grants.
Additionally, RIT’s undergraduate computer science program garnered a ranking of No. 54, rising a commendable 10 spots from the previous year.
Other Program Rankings
Other notable rankings include:
- Undergraduate engineering: No. 57, within institutions that confer doctoral engineering degrees.
- Undergraduate business: No. 77.
“RIT’s dedication to trailblazing research, innovative technology, and the arts is a key factor contributing to our university’s appeal to prospective students, parents, alumni, elite researchers, corporate partners, and other institutions,” remarked RIT President Bill Sanders.
“Furthermore, our vibrant university community draws students and faculty who are driven by purpose, fostering unique contributions to the world through their imaginative and innovative ventures. We are committed to ensuring that RIT remains a sanctuary for exploration, safe failure, and spectacular success.”
As a designated “Best Value,” RIT’s assessment included overall academic quality, the proportion of full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants, and the average reductions from the institutional sticker price for those receiving average need-based grants.
RIT’s illustrious co-op program, renowned as one of the oldest and largest nationally, serves as a hallmark of experiential learning. Annually, over 5,000 RIT students engage in co-op experiences, securing compensated work positions at national and international companies spanning virtually every professional domain.
“RIT consistently demonstrates that we represent the ideal choice for students and families seeking exceptional value in higher education,” stated Kathleen Davis, vice president for Enrollment Management and associate provost.
“This ranking underscores our unwavering commitment to an educational model that is experiential, global, and customizable. RIT has a longstanding tradition of educational innovation and creating an environment where every student can excel.”
To explore the full array of RIT’s rankings, viewers are encouraged to visit the U.S. News Best Colleges website.
Source link: Rit.edu.
