TIME: U of A Among Top 100 Public Institutions

The University of Arkansas has been recognized by TIME and The Princeton Review as one of America's Best Colleges for 2027, earning national recognition for its commitment to student success, a supportive learning environment and long-term value for graduates.

The U of A ranked among the top 100 public universities in TIME's Best Colleges ranking, placing 99th among public institutions.

TIME developed the inaugural ranking in partnership with global data analytics firm Statista, evaluating colleges and universities across measures including student outcomes, learning environment and student attractiveness. The ranking places particular emphasis on outcomes and return on investment, reflecting growing national interest in how colleges prepare graduates for career success and economic mobility.

The Princeton Review also named the U of A to its annual list of The Best 392 Colleges, featuring colleges and universities from across the nation.

The Best 392 Colleges does not rank institutions but instead provides profiles of each school. The profiles are based on information from the individual colleges and universities, as well as surveys completed by students at the schools.

The student responses make up a considerable portion of each profile. For the U of A, the “Students Say” section describes the campus as “a large university with a community feel. It’s big enough to have a lot of great opportunities, but small enough you see people you know on campus.”

As a land-grant institution, the U of A centers its mission on expanding access to education, advancing research that addresses real-world challenges and serving the people of Arkansas. The university continues to advance that mission through investments in student success, research and innovation, community engagement, and workforce development.

The U of A programs such as the Land of Opportunity Scholarship expand access for students from every corner of Arkansas, while internships, undergraduate research experiences and industry partnerships prepare graduates to contribute immediately in their professions and communities.

The recognition comes as the university continues to advance key priorities through its 150 Forward: Reaching Higher strategic plan, including expanding student success initiatives, increasing access and affordability, growing research excellence and strengthening partnerships that support Arkansas' workforce and economy.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.