Top-Notch: USU Ranks in Top 10 National University Rankings by Washington Monthly

Choosing the right university is an important decision for any college student, and as universities across the nation adapt to instructional challenges brought by a global pandemic, choosing a school that provides a solid foundation of support is more important than ever.

Students at Utah State University are choosing one of the top-ranked universities in the nation, according to Washington Monthly’s 2020 National University Rankings, which ranks based on schools’ contributions to the public good.

This week, the annual publication ranked USU as the No. 2 public university and No. 10 overall. Additionally, the university earned the seventh spot in the Best Bang for the Buck: West section of the rankings.

“The Washington Monthly Rankings recognize what we do best here at Utah State University: teaching, research and outreach,” said USU President Noelle E. Cockett. “It is no surprise that we are in the company of elite institutions such as Harvard and Yale. Since 1888, USU has established itself as a premier institution, and our dedicated and award-winning faculty are scholar-educators who have a shared commitment to both teaching excellence and rigorous research. During this unique time, I am proud to be part of the Aggie Family and look forward to its continued success.”

Washington Monthly rates schools based on their contributions to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarships and doctorate programs), and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country).

As one of the two premier research institutions in Utah, the university prides itself in providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. And as the state’s land-grant university, USU extends opportunities to students across the state, both at its main campus in Logan and through its statewide system.

Students at USU have a full experience as the university boasts the oldest residential campus in Utah, and has more than 200 student clubs and organizations, including the Special Olympics and Best Buddies programs. USU’s chapter of AmeriCorps is the largest in the state and one of the largest in the West.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and accomplishments of our students and faculty,” said Frank W. Galey, executive vice president and provost. “The inclusion of both social mobility and service recognizes our land-grant heritage and reflects our student’s commitment to succeed and their willingness to give back, no matter their personal circumstances.”

USU has nine colleges and schools, including the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Caine College of the Arts, Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, College of Engineering, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, College of Science and the School of Graduate Studies. 

Located in the city of Logan in northern Utah’s Cache Valley, Utah State is 80 miles northeast of Salt Lake City and is within a day’s driving distance of six national parks. The surrounding area, including ski resorts, lakes, rivers and mountains, makes Utah State one of the finest recreational environments in the nation.