2026 College Rankings: Montclair Named Among Nation’s Best in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges

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, 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.”

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