UC Merced has received some of the top marks in all of NCAA Division II in the Wall Street Journal and the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best schools in the country.
 
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings, UC Merced led all NCAA Division II schools, ranking tied for 57 in the country. Other top DIIs include Colorado School of Mines (T-80), UT Dallas (T-110) and Thomas Jefferson (T-132). Full rankings. (Full Rankings | Article)
 
UC Merced was also named the 14th best college in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal. Among public institutions, UC Merced ranked third nationwide – right after UC Berkeley and UC Davis – and placed fifth among all California universities, public and private. The university was also recognized for its leadership in expanding opportunity, earning the No. 3 spot nationally in social mobility. (Full Rankings | Article)
 
“What sets UC Merced apart is not just the quality of education we provide, but the opportunities we create for students who have historically been left out of higher education,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said. “These rankings affirm that we are delivering on our promise of opening doors, supporting student success and preparing graduates to make an impact on the world.”