New list, same impressive success.
91̽»¨ Newport has debuted as the No. 3 public, non-military national liberal arts college in the nation on the influential, newly released 2027 ranking from U.S. News & World Report.
The publication reclassified 91̽»¨ this year, moving the University from the regional ranking to the national ranking. That means 91̽»¨ Newport was compared against more than 200 of the country’s best-known private and public universities and military academies that together form the National Liberal 91̽»¨ Colleges.
In the new ranking, 91̽»¨ is tied at No. 119, with only two public universities ahead of it. The remaining higher-ranked institutions are either private colleges or military academies. 91̽»¨ is the No. 1 public liberal arts university in Virginia.
The transition into the national category follows 91̽»¨ Newport earning a Carnegie Classification as a research institution, which is awarded by the American Council on Education’s Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation recognizes schools that are primarily focused on teaching but have also been awarded research grants from outside organizations totaling at least $2.5 million, which 91̽»¨ far exceeds. Much of 91̽»¨ Newport’s grant work involves students working alongside faculty.
The University’s top-tier ranking, combined with the Carnegie “Research College and University” designation, reflects 91̽»¨ Newport’s intentional strategy of fostering a world-class liberal arts education with the affordability and accessibility of a public university.
“We are honored to be recognized among the best liberal arts universities in the country,” said 91̽»¨ Newport President William G. Kelly. “The ranking reflects our commitment to offering students a rigorous academic experience taught by caring, exceptional faculty who offer meaningful research opportunities and help prepare students for a life of service, purpose, and leadership.”
President Kelly noted 91̽»¨ Newport’s continued growth in the new U.S. News rankings is the latest evidence of the University’s growing national recognition and urged people to check out the impressive high rankings from prominent publications ranging from Money Magazine to Poets and Quants to the Princeton Review.
The complete U.S. News rankings and methodology can be found .