Wilkes University continues to be ranked among national universities in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranking of American colleges and universities. For 2026, Wilkes stands at 318 among 434 national universities. This is the 22nd consecutive year Wilkes has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report and its seventh year as a national university.
The 2026 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success.
“I am incredibly proud that Wilkes continues to be recognized among the best universities in the country,” said Wilkes University President Greg Cant. “Though, I am most proud of the diverse pathways we offer our students and especially how our dedicated faculty, staff and campus community empower Colonels to define success on their own terms.”
Wilkes also continues to rank on the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, which measures how well schools educate and graduate Pell Grant recipients, or students with the greatest financial need. Wilkes achieved a ranking of 237 in this category.
Wilkes was also recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its engineering bachelor’s degree programs among institutions that do not offer doctoral degrees in the engineering field, undergraduate business programs and bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Other Recognition
Washington Monthly magazine ranks Wilkes 285 out of 438 national universities in the Best Colleges for Your Tuition & Tax Dollars category and includes Wilkes as a Best Bang for the Buck College in the Northeast, based on the university’s performance in social mobility.
The Princeton Review, a leading tutoring, test prep and college admissions services company, continues to include Wilkes on its list of schools deemed Best in the Mid-Atlantic. This recognition is based on feedback from students.
Niche, an online platform designed to connect students and families with colleges and school information, ranks Wilkes among:
- The top 50% for Best Colleges in America
- The top 10% for Best College Dorms in America
- The top 40% of Private Universities in the U.S.
- Top 25% of Colleges with the Best Professors in America
- The Best Value Colleges
The platform ranks Wilkes statewide among:
- The top 30% for Best Colleges in Pennsylvania
- The top 40% for Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania
- The top 25% for Colleges with the Best Professors in Pennsylvania
- Top 35% of Colleges with the Best Student Life in Pennsylvania
The University was also recognized among the most diverse colleges in America, best colleges for communication, best colleges for business, best colleges for nursing and colleges with the best academics.
“Being recognized for our exceptional faculty, academic quality and student life is an honor,” said Cant. “Anyone who comes to visit Wilkes can clearly see that we offer not only transformative educational experiences, but a passionate and welcoming campus community that stands ready to help all of our students achieve their personal and professional goals.”