VCU ranks among world’s top 20% of global universities

By Brian McNeill

U .S. News & World Report has ranked Virginia Commonwealth University among the world's top 20% of universities in its 2026-27 list of Best Global Universities, published today.

VCU ranked No. 400 (tie) out of 2,250 universities across 105 countries in the annual rankings, which assess academic research and reputation. In the 2025-26 rankings, VCU tied for No. 411.

"VCU's continued placement in the top 20% of universities worldwide underscores our momentum as a public urban research university," said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our students, faculty and staff, who prove that we can provide access to academic excellence to hard-working, motivated students while building talent pipelines and research breakthroughs that transform communities and elevate human lives."

Sixteen VCU subject areas were listed among the world's best, notably including gastroenterology and hepatology, which ranked among the top 4% (No. 8 out of 250) and clinical medicine, which ranked among the top 12% (No. 145 out of 1,250).

"This international recognition speaks volumes to the depth and rigor of VCU's academic enterprise," said Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and provost. "Ranking in the top 20% globally - with specialized fields like gastroenterology in the top 10 worldwide - is a testament to our faculty and students' relentless pursuit of research excellence that resonates far beyond the borders of this university, the commonwealth or the country. If these rankings only tell us one thing, it's that VCU is a destination for world-class faculty to drive discovery and push boundaries."

For the full list of VCU's programs in the Best Global Universities rankings and for more information, visit here.