K-State gains ground in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings

Kansas State University moved into the top 80 public universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, with several undergraduate programs also moving up in this year’s rankings.

K-State rose five spots to tie at No. 79 among Top Public Schools and climbed two spots to tie at No. 156 among National Universities. The university earned eight rankings overall, including four in the top 100 nationally.

K-State’s undergraduate business and computer science programs each climbed 15 spots, coming in at No. 116 and No. 110, respectively. Undergraduate engineering moved up nine spots to tie at No. 87 nationally.

The latest rankings build on the momentum K-State has made in recent years. Since the 2025 rankings, the university has moved up 12 spots among Top Public Schools, from No. 91 to No. 79, and 14 spots among National Universities, from No. 170 to No. 156.

The numbers offer one look at the university’s progress, but they are also tied to the work happening across K-State to strengthen academic programs and give students the experiences they need beyond the classroom.

“These rankings are one reflection of the work happening across K-State to provide an academic experience that prepares students for successful careers and lives,” said Jesse Perez Mendez, provost and executive vice president. “As we advance our Next-Gen K-State vision, we remain focused on providing an excellent education that is accessible and relevant to today’s students. This progress is made possible by our faculty and staff and their commitment to our students every day.”

K-State recognized for student value

K-State also earned two national rankings for value, ranking No. 96 among Best Value Schools and No. 46 for in-state value.

For students and families, the cost of college is an important part of choosing where to earn a degree. So is what students get from that investment. At K-State, that includes the education, hands-on experiences and connections that students can carry with them after graduation.

Increasing access to that experience is a core component of the Next-Gen K-State efforts to make higher education more attainable and prepare graduates to meet the needs of Kansas and its communities.

Undergraduate programs earn national recognition

Four K-State undergraduate academic areas earned rankings this year:

• Undergraduate engineering programs, doctorate — No. 87, tied.
• Undergraduate computer science programs — No. 110, tied.
• Undergraduate business programs — No. 116, tied.
• Undergraduate psychology programs — No. 163, tied.

K-State’s full list of 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings includes:

• National Universities — No. 156, tied.
• Top Public Schools, National Universities — No. 79, tied.
• Best Value Schools, National Universities — No. 96.
• Best Value In-State, National Universities — No. 46.
• Undergraduate Business Programs — No. 116, tied.
• Undergraduate Computer Science Programs — No. 110, tied.
• Undergraduate Engineering Programs, Doctorate — No. 87, tied.
• Undergraduate Psychology Programs — No. 163, tied.

U.S. News & World Report calculates its Best Colleges rankings using a variety of measures related to academic quality and student success. More information about the rankings and methodology is available from U.S. News & World Report.