UM-Dearborn ranks as the No. 1 regional public university in the state and No. 3 in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 guide to American colleges and universities, which was released today. This marks the 22nd consecutive year UM-Dearborn is rated as one of the region’s best.
Among public and private universities, UM-Dearborn continues its upward trend, moving up a place from last year and ranked No. 16 overall in the Midwest regional universities category.
UM-Dearborn is also the highest-ranking regional public university in Michigan on the list of “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” and ranked 12th overall among regional universities in the Midwest, moving up a spot from last year. This list includes colleges that are successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of Pell Grant eligible students and financially supporting these students during their collegiate journey.
The university is also a top school for veterans. It’s No. 1 on the “Best College for Veterans” list among regional public universities in Michigan. Among all Midwest regional universities, UM-Dearborn placed fifth overall. Criteria for the designation include being GI Bill-certified and participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. In addition, UM-Dearborn provides structure for incoming Dearborn Wolverines who have served, has veterans-based programming and is active in veteran-supporting activities throughout the community. For example, UM-Dearborn’s student veterans and Veteran Affairs Coordinator Tom Pitock are instrumental in U-M Athletics Veterans of the Game program.
In college-specific listings, U.S. News recognized UM-Dearborn’s undergraduate business, computer science, engineering and psychology programs.
The College of Business’ undergraduate business program is ranked fourth in the state. This is the 16th consecutive year it’s appeared on the list. The College of Engineering and Computer Science has two programs on the list: both the ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program and the computer science undergraduate degree program rank fifth in Michigan. The College of Arts, Sciences and Letters’ undergraduate psychology program placed fifth among public universities in the state.
U.S. News and World Report’s rankings are based on data on indicators of academic excellence, including first-year retention rate, graduation rate and strength of faculty.
The complete 2025 rankings appear in the magazine’s annual guidebook to “America’s Best Colleges.”
Story by Sarah Tuxbury
