RIT climbs to No. 91 nationally in ‘U.S. News’ best colleges ranking

Rochester Institute of Technology, named as a top “National University,” has climbed to No. 91 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The publication also cited RIT as being among the best universities in value, experiential learning with co-ops and internships, highly engaged faculty, and overall return on investment.

The new listing of the nation’s prestigious research universities is the highest to date for RIT, a jump of seven spots from last year.

This list of the nation’s best research universities includes 436 institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates. Overall, U.S. News ranks nearly 2,000 of the more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the United States.

Among the top citations, RIT was ranked:

• No. 6 for co-ops and internships. These programs expose college students to new academic experiences outside the classroom. Research shows these enhanced student experiences are linked to student success and positive learning outcomes, according to U.S. News.
• No. 41 for “Best Value.” RIT is above average academically and costs considerably less than many other universities when the financial aid in the form of need-based grants and scholarships is considered, the publication states.
• No. 45 for “Undergraduate Teaching,” a focus on schools whose faculty and administrators have a “remarkably strong commitment” to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality environment.

“With RIT consistently viewed as a top national university—having a strong global presence—our commitment to technology, the arts, and design is being recognized by prospective students and parents, alumni, top researchers, corporate partners, and other universities,” said RIT President David Munson. “Our unique collection of creators and innovators is helping to shape the world through their ideas that inspire, inform, transform, and improve lives.”

Affordability matters in finding the best fit university, according to U.S. News. As a “Best Value,” RIT was scored on overall academic quality, the percentage of full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants, and the average discount from the university’s sticker price for full-time undergraduates receiving need-based grants.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized for providing the ‘best value’ in higher education,” said Kathleen Davis, associate provost and vice president for Enrollment Management. “This ranking reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in an experiential, global, and customizable educational model. By tailoring curricular and co-curricular opportunities to meet each student’s unique needs, passions, and professional aspirations, we are not only preparing them for successful careers but also for meaningful lives. RIT has always been a leader in innovating education and creating an environment where every student can thrive.”

RIT’s renowned co-op program, one of the oldest and largest in the nation, remains a hallmark of experiential learning. More than 5,000 RIT students typically complete a co-op each year, engaging in paid work experience at national and global companies and organizations in nearly every career field.

Additionally, U.S. News also spotlights undergraduate teaching, where RIT faculty excel at laying the groundwork for critical thinking and engaging classroom experiences. Last year, for instance, RIT opened the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED).

All of these pieces come together to forge a notable return-on-investment and experience for students and families.

“Your investment in a college education could profoundly affect your career opportunities, how much money you earn (i.e., your earning power) and your quality of life,” said Robert Morse, chief data strategist for U.S. News. “Based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one thing is clear: education pays. College graduates and professionals with advanced degrees make more money and tend to have lower instances of unemployment.”