Arizona State University and the University of Arizona landed in the same spot in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, tying at No. 121 among national universities.
The two rivals shared the position with 10 other schools, including George Mason University, Loyola University Chicago, the University of Central Florida and the University of Denver, Phoenix New Times reported. ASU fell four places from No. 117 last year, while the University of Arizona climbed six from No. 127. Both tied at No. 58 among public universities.
The overall tie did not erase major differences in specialty rankings. ASU retained the No. 1 position on the Most Innovative Schools list for a 12th consecutive year, holding the top spot every year since U.S. News created the category. Its undergraduate supply chain management program ranked first nationally.
The University of Arizona earned its strongest result in management information systems. The Eller College of Management program ranked No. 2 overall, behind only Carnegie Mellon University, and No. 1 among public universities. U of A placed No. 33 overall for undergraduate business and No. 82 among Best Colleges for Veterans.
U.S. News evaluated nearly 1,700 institutions for the 2027 edition. The publication introduced an “Earnings by Major” factor comparing earnings four years after graduation among federal-aid recipients within specific fields of study. That measure replaced graduate indebtedness in the overall formula.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology took the national No. 1 ranking, ending Princeton University’s 15-year run at the top. Princeton finished second, followed by Harvard University.
The tie leaves neither Arizona school with the overall edge in this edition, while their program-level results offer different points of distinction.
