# 2026 College Rankings: Montclair Named Among Nation’s Best in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Montclair is Top 10 in the nation in social mobility in latest rankings and tied for second in New Jersey ![Ariel shot of Cole Hall.](/sites/default/files/styles/660x400/public/2026-03/110321_5900_Cole-Hall-Fall-Aerial-2%20%281%29_0.jpg?h=04e1af5f&itok=ZhboQ_9L) Montclair State University has been ranked among the best national universities in the country in the [***U.S. News & World Report*** **2026 Best Colleges rankings**](https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/best-2617/overall-rankings), with Montclair improving in several categories in this closely watched list of the best colleges in America. Montclair has once again been recognized as a national leader in social mobility – a measure of how well schools enroll and graduate low-income students and bring them closer to achieving the American Dream – ranking at No. 9 in the country and tied for fifth among public institutions among 434 national universities in the increasingly important category. ## U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges Rankings At a Glance - No. 9 in the country among national universities in social mobility (up 3 spots from No. 12 in 2025, tied No. 5 among public institutions and tied for second in N.J.) - No. 177 in Best Value Schools (up 28 spots from No. 205 in 2025) - No. 84 among national public institutions “Montclair State University is a public-serving institution governed by a commitment to access and excellence,” says President Jonathan Koppell. “We aim to provide transformational opportunities for our students, as well as their families and the many diverse communities they are a part of. Part of a Montclair education is helping learners become leaders who serve the public interest. We are proud to see Montclair State University once again recognized as a national leader in advancing social mobility and delivering exceptional value to our students.” ## I’m a \_\_\_\_\_\_, tell me more… **Prospective Student / Parent:** [**Plan a visit**](/admissions-aid/visit-and-tour "Visit and Tour") to our campus and take the [**first step in applying**](https://www.montclair.edu/admissions/) to become a Red Hawk! **Journalist**: Contact the [**Media Relations team**](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations "Media Relations") for assets or to schedule an interview about this topic. Published September 23, 2025 Type [Front Page News](/news-media/news-stories?type%5B344%5D=344) Topic - [Academics](/news-media/news-stories?topic%5B350%5D=350) ## Contact the Media Relations Team [Media Relations](/offices-departments-centers/media-relations) The Media Relations Office is the official source of information for Montclair State University and is the primary point of contact for members of the media requesting institutional information and/or interviews with faculty, staff and administration. - Elyse Toribio - - Telephone [973-655-4334](tel:973-655-4334) - Andrew Mees - - Telephone [973-655-3101](tel:973-655-3101) ## More News & Stories - ![School of Nursing Dean Janice Smolowitz stands beside former university president Dr. Susan Cole at School of Nursing 10th anniversary](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/School%20of%20Nursing.jpeg?h=19ad3fdd&itok=d7OT2sYd) Front Page News [ A Decade of Nursing at Montclair](/news-media/news-stories/decade-nursing-montclair) November 11, 2026 - ![Raena Loper poses on a chaise.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/Raena%20Loper.jpg?h=3ec75680&itok=kbXb5SVR) Student Outcomes [ Alumni Voices: How a Fashion Graduate Navigated a Magazine and Digital Media Career](/news-media/news-stories/alumni-voices-putting-fashion-degree-work-magazines-and-digital-media) November 6, 2026 - ![Attendees play video games on computers at a gaming venue.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-10/Gaming%20Expo.jpeg?h=19ad3fdd&itok=Oev53V5Z) Front Page News [ Bloomfield Students Get an Inside Look at the World of Game Development](/news-media/news-stories/bloomfield-students-get-inside-look-world-game-development) October 14, 2026 [All News & Stories](/news-media/news-stories)