KENT, Ohio – Kent State University remains the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings. 

In the newly released rankings, Kent State continues to be recognized among the Top Public Schools in the nation. Kent State ranks No. 128 among U.S. public institutions, making it the highest-ranked institution in northern Ohio. 

“This year’s rankings reaffirm Kent State’s place as the top public university in northern Ohio and one of the best institutions in the nation,” Kent State President Todd Diacon said. “Our faculty and staff are focused every day on giving students the tools and support they need to succeed, and these results are a testament to that work.” 

Kent State is also named to the Best National Universities list in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings. Kent State ranks No. 236 among all public and private universities in the nation. The university is again the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio on the Best National Universities list. 

In addition, Kent State is recognized on numerous lists in the 2027 Best Colleges edition, with four programs ranked in the top 200 in the country. The university ranks No. 115 on the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs list, moving up three spots and making it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio. On the Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs list, Kent State jumped up 53 spots to No. 143, making it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio. Kent State made its debut on the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (Doctorate) list and is included on the Best Undergraduate Business Programs list as the highest-ranked public institution in northeastern Ohio. 

The university moved up 28 spots on the Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs list, making it the highest-ranked public institution in northern Ohio. Among national universities, Kent State is also included on the Top Performers on Social Mobility list, which measures how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students. 

Pictured at top: New Kent State University students wave rally towels and cheer during the 2026 Convocation. (Derek Galperin | Kent State University)