UM-Dearborn is one of the top 5 public universities in Michigan and is among the top 125 public universities nationally, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The new list was released today.
Previously ranked as a top regional university, UM-Dearborn moved to the national list for 2027 due to its expanded graduate programs and growing research focus, including its elevation to an R2 research institution in 2025. The university is ranked fifth among Michigan public universities and 121st among public institutions nationally.
USNWR’s rankings are determined by key academic indicators, including first-year retention, graduation rates and strength of faculty. They evaluated more than 1,700 colleges and universities. Among both public and private schools, UM-Dearborn’s overall national university ranking is at No. 227 — placing the university in the top 15% of four-year institutions.
University recognized for value and future earnings
U.S. News and World Report placed UM-Dearborn among the top 100 universities in the nation — and No. 2 among all universities in Michigan — for social mobility. Time Magazine also recently recognized UM-Dearborn as the No. 3 public university in Michigan on its first-ever “America’s Best Colleges” list, which focuses on value, student outcomes and learning environment.
At UM-Dearborn, 52% of students are Pell-eligible. Among the state's 15 public universities, UM-Dearborn has the second-lowest average tuition cost and ranks No. 3 for student earnings after graduation.
According to the most recent College Scorecard, the median income for a UM-Dearborn undergraduate is over $77,000 within four years of graduation. This is the third-highest median salary among all Michigan public universities and is more than double the median earnings of someone with only a high school degree.
Additional accolades for colleges — and a national recognition from Forbes
USNWR ranked the College of Business’ undergraduate business program fourth among universities in the state. This is the 18th consecutive year it’s appeared on the list. The College of Engineering and Computer Science's undergraduate engineering programs (doctorate) and their computer science undergraduate degree program rank fifth among universities in Michigan. The College of Arts, Sciences and Letters’ undergraduate psychology program placed eighth (tied) among universities in the state.
The university also ranked as one of the top five universities in the state for 2027 Forbes America’s Top Colleges List. Only 500 universities nationally made the cut, and UM-Dearborn was No. 194.
Story by Sarah Tuxbury and Kristin Palm
