Wayne State University has again earned recognition as a leader in undergraduate education by U.S. News & World Report, which recently published its list of the 2024 Best Colleges. The annual survey — aimed to guide prospective students and their families — evaluated 1,500 universities and colleges, using 19 measures of academic quality in its assessment.

Wayne State is now listed at No. 201 within national university rankings — a significant boost from its 2023 placement at No. 250. The university also improved in the top public schools category, jumping to No. 109 from No. 124 in 2023.

“We’re so pleased, and not surprised, Wayne State has risen so quickly in the rankings,” said President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. “It is a clear indication that the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff and leadership to improve student success have been recognized, and will continue to matter for the future. Our  shared commitment to our distinctive mission — to advance the frontiers of knowledge and prepare a diverse student body to thrive — is steadfast. Our U.S. News ranking is just another piece of evidence of our determination and success.”

New for 2024, social mobility and outcomes for graduating students factor in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, marking a key methodological shift. Wayne State is the top Michigan institution with a Carnegie R1 classification — which denotes the highest level of research activity — in social mobility, ranked at No. 151 nationally.

In addition, the following undergraduate programs at Wayne State notably received national recognition:

Best business: No. 159

Best computer science: No. 139

Best nursing: No. 31

Best psychology: No. 98

Wayne State’s recent and intentional improvement in student outcomes, combined with its relatively strong showing in faculty and research impact metrics, has led to this year’s improvement, with an optimistic outlook for ongoing improvement in overall rankings.