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Rankings, Awards & Recognitions

You might not expect that a regional public university like ���ϲ����� would consistently be recognized for its exceptional academic programs and support services. But at ���ϲ�����, innovation and excellence are baked into our DNA – a part of our identity since our founding in 1839 as the nation’s first public college established for the education of teachers.

Today, we continue to innovate, providing students with a 21st-century education that opens the door to successful careers and fulfilling lives, while remaining true to our public mission of equity and access. We have a lot to be proud of.

Below are some of our more recent rankings, awards and recognitions. If you are in the college search process, we hope you will consider joining ���ϲ�����, and become part of our tradition of excellence.

College of Distinction 

���ϲ����� is proud to announce its recognition as a 2025-2026 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award reflects ���ϲ�����’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.

In addition to being recognized for overall excellence, ���ϲ����� was also highlighted for the in the following categories:

• Public Colleges
• Affordability
• Career Development
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Business
• Education
   

U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 

���ϲ����� has been recognized for several years running as among the Best Colleges in the category of Regional Universities North, which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, plus schools in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

The :

• Top Regional Universities (North) #110
• Top Public Schools #41
• Top Performers in Social Mobility #78

Princeton Review’s  Guide to Green Colleges

���ϲ����� is featured in the Princeton Review’s 2025 , which profiles schools that foster a culture of environmental responsibility and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

���ϲ����� has been included in the annual ranking each year dating back to 2010.

“This distinction reflects our deep commitment to environmental sustainability and the collective efforts of our campus community,” says ���ϲ����� President Nancy S. Niemi.  “From integrating green practices into our facilities and operations to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students, faculty, and staff, sustainability is central to who we are and what we stand for. Our goal is not only to minimize our ecological footprint but also to empower the next generation of leaders to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. These efforts also align with our strategic priority of being a leading force for good within our greater MetroWest community."

Learn more about our Climate & Sustainability efforts here.
 

Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award

���ϲ����� has been recognized with the 2025 Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. 

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—���ϲ����� will be featured, along with other recipients, in the November/December 2025 issue of Insight Into Academia magazine.