As the new academic year approaches, University of California, Davis, students will have even more reasons for school pride — two more prestigious top 10 rankings.

Today (Sept. 10), U.S. News & World Report announced its annual “Best Colleges” ranking, with UC Davis tied for 10th (with the College of William and Mary in Virginia) among public universities in the country. The overall rankings are based on mission, academic excellence and overall scores.

Also among the rankings released today by U.S. News are:

• Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. UC Davis ranked 32nd overall among the 206 programs examined (among those who offer up to a Ph.D.), while ranking fourth in the field of biological and agricultural engineering.
• Most Innovative Schools. In its fourth year, this peer assessment ranking looks at innovative improvements colleges and universities make related to curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities. UC Davis tied for 24th for this honor. It is the first time the university has made this list.
• Best Colleges for Veterans. Based on enrollment of veterans and benefits for both veterans and active-duty military that make obtaining a college education more affordable, the university ranks 16th among national universities.
• Ethnic and Economic Diversity. Among its peer group of national universities, UC Davis came in at 17th of those schools whose undergraduates are most likely to benefit from interaction with those from different backgrounds.

“It’s clear that UC Davis is on an upward trajectory with its strong placements in recent rankings,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “Our academic and research excellence, along with our ability to be a social escalator for students of all backgrounds, makes UC Davis a top choice. We're setting up our students for real success as they enter an increasingly diverse and global workforce.”

More accolades

Last week, UC Davis was fifth among public universities in the U.S. in the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education’s annual ranking, up from its sixth place ranking the previous year. Once again, the strength of the UC system was evidenced with four of its nine undergraduate campuses in the top 10.  

According to the outlets, the methodology is straightforward and focuses on “two crucial factors: the outcomes students can expect from their college education and the resources schools deploy on academics.”

Twenty-four public schools were ranked among the top 100 schools, up from just 21 last year. While funding resources are often less than seen at private institutions, students are receiving excellent, well-rounded educations at public colleges and universities. As UC Davis Provost Ralph J. Hexter told the Wall Street Journal, “There is no question there are many more larger classes here than at the superelite private schools. But students can find a niche here; we feel they are getting a tremendous education.”

In August, UC Davis earned a top 10 spot among public and private institutions in Washington Monthly’s 2018 ranking. The publication recognizes “not what colleges do for themselves, but on what they do for the country,” and rates its schools on three criteria: research, social mobility and public service.

Money Magazine also recognized the university in August in its “Best Colleges” and “Most Transformative Colleges” annual rankings. UC Davis ranked eighth among public schools and 11th overall among 727 schools across the country.