UMass Dartmouth ranks among top 10 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students

U.S. News & World Report also recognizes psychology, nursing, business, and other undergraduate programs at UMass Dartmouth

According to a university analysis of the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UMass Dartmouth ranks No. 10 among public research universities with fewer than 10,000 total students in the National Universities category. The university also ranks fourth among public universities in Massachusetts and eighth among public universities in New England.

For the 11^th consecutive year, UMass Dartmouth was ranked in U.S. News' National Universities category, placing it alongside research universities across the country that offer a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university ranked No. 250 among national universities and No. 137 among public universities.

"These rankings show the strength of our academic programs and the work our faculty and students are doing every day," said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller. "We are building on that strength by expanding opportunities for students to learn, conduct research, and prepare for meaningful careers."

Several of UMass Dartmouth's largest undergraduate programs also gained ground nationally. Psychology climbed 37 places, business rose 18, and nursing advanced three places while remaining among the top 9% of U.S. programs.

"These rankings show the strength of our academic programs and the work our faculty and students are doing every day. We are building on that strength by expanding opportunities for students to learn, conduct research, and prepare for meaningful careers."

Psychology program is trending up

UMass Dartmouth's undergraduate psychology program rose from No. 152 to No. 115 nationally. The program has climbed 119 places since the 2024 rankings, and now ranks second among public universities in Massachusetts and fourth among public universities in New England. It is the top-ranked psychology program in the U.S. among public universities with fewer than 6,000 undergraduate students.

Students can pursue a BA or BS in psychology, with opportunities to build research skills and prepare for graduate study or careers in fields that draw on an understanding of human behavior.

"Our psychology faculty have created a program where students can ask difficult questions, develop research skills, and apply what they learn to the world around them," said Psychology Department Chair Mahzad Hojjat. "This rise is exciting recognition of their work and of the students who bring such energy to the field."

Nursing remains among the nation's strongest programs

UMass Dartmouth's undergraduate nursing program rose three places to No. 56 nationally, placing it among the top 9% of U.S. programs. Nursing has climbed 37 places over four years and is the fourth highest-ranked program among public universities in New England.

"Our students prepare to care for people at some of the most important moments in their lives," said College of Nursing & Health Sciences Dean Kimberly Christopher. "This national recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and the strength of an education that connects learning with practice."

Charlton No. 2 among small public business schools

The Charlton College of Business ranks second nationally among public universities with fewer than 6,000 undergraduates. Its undergraduate business programs also climbed 18 places to No. 176 overall. In Massachusetts, Charlton is tied with UMass Boston for second among public universities.

"The Massachusetts SouthCoast deserves a world-class business school, and that is what we are building at Charlton," said Madan Annavarjula, dean of the Charlton College of Business. "We want students to work with local businesses, tackle real challenges, and build careers that strengthen the communities they call home."

College of Engineering sees multiple programs climb 

UMass Dartmouth's undergraduate computer science program ranked No. 155 nationally, placing it among the top 27% of ranked programs and 55 places higher than in the 2024 rankings. Undergraduate engineering programs also improved this year, rising four places to No. 146 nationally.