Northeast Pennsylvania’s higher education institutions have garnered notable recognition in the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which highlights colleges and universities across the United States. Released this week, the 2026 Best Colleges rankings place several institutions from Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Schuylkill counties among the top 200 in multiple categories, showcasing the region’s educational excellence.
The rankings include eight colleges, notably featuring the four Penn State Commonwealth campuses in the area. These campuses are recognized in the Regional Colleges North and Regional Universities North categories, which evaluate institutions in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. The University of Scranton stands out as the highest-ranked institution in these categories, placing in the top 10 of the Regional Universities North.
Additionally, Wilkes University and Misericordia University, located in Luzerne County, have made their mark in the rankings for National Universities. These institutions are noted for offering a wide array of undergraduate majors, alongside master’s and Ph.D. programs, further enhancing their appeal to prospective students.
The four Penn State campuses—Hazleton, Schuylkill, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre—have also been recognized among the top 50 Public Schools. This recognition comes during a period of significant change for the Penn State system, as the Board of Trustees voted in spring 2023 to close the Wilkes-Barre campus after the spring 2027 semester, marking it as one of seven campuses slated for closure.
Colleges and universities were assessed based on various factors, including social mobility, veterans services, and best value. Institutions were also ranked for specific programs, such as nursing and engineering.
The University of Scranton has consistently received accolades from U.S. News for over 30 years. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., President of the University of Scranton, expressed pride in the institution’s achievements, stating, “These rankings reflect our commitment to areas that matter deeply to students as part of a transformative undergraduate experience.” The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, aligning with its Jesuit mission to care for the whole person.
Similarly, Greg Cant, President of Wilkes University, acknowledged the university’s strong standing in the rankings. He stated, “I am incredibly proud that Wilkes continues to be recognized among the best universities in the country.” He highlighted the diverse pathways available to students and the supportive environment fostered by faculty and staff.
Marywood University, situated in Scranton and Dunmore, has been identified as the top regional four-year private university in the Best Value category. This recognition reflects the university’s commitment to delivering high-quality academic programs.
The U.S. News & World Report evaluates institutions based on 17 metrics that focus on academic quality, including student outcomes, academic resources, and institutional reputation. The rankings span 10 different categories, offering a comprehensive overview of both national and regional universities, alongside best value schools and those with exceptional first-year experiences.
The rankings for the colleges and universities in Northeast Pennsylvania include:
– Keystone College: 20 in Top Performers on Social Mobility; 51-56 in Regional Colleges North
– King’s College: 112 (tie) in Regional Universities North; 135 (tie) in Top Performers on Social Mobility
– Marywood University: 14 in Best Value Schools; 29 in Best Colleges for Veterans; 61 (tie) in Regional Universities North
– Misericordia University: 273 (tie) in National Universities; 379 (tie) in Top Performers on Social Mobility
– Penn State Hazleton: 25 in Top Performers on Social Mobility; 30 (tie) in Top Public Schools
– Penn State Schuylkill: 19 in Top Performers on Social Mobility; 21 (tie) in Top Public Schools
– Penn State Scranton: 9 (tie) in Top Performers on Social Mobility; 15 in Top Public Schools
– Penn State Wilkes-Barre: 23 in Top Public Schools; 38 (tie) in Regional Colleges North
– University of Scranton: 3 in Best Colleges for Veterans; 8 in Regional Universities North
– Wilkes University: 226 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs; 318 (tie) in National Universities
This recognition not only highlights the academic rigor of these institutions but also underscores their commitment to fostering an environment that supports student success and community engagement. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, the achievements of these colleges and universities in Northeast Pennsylvania serve as a testament to their dedication to excellence.
