Kansas State climbs 42 spots in national value ranking

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University jumped 42 places to No. 88 among Best Value Schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking one of its most significant improvements in recent years.

The university also advanced across other major categories, rising seven spots to tie at No. 158 among National Universities and improving to No. 84 among Top Public Schools from No. 91 in last year's rankings.

The gains build on steady progress over three years. Since 2024, K-State has improved by 12 spots in the Overall National Universities ranking and seven spots in Top Public Schools.

Several academic programs showed notable movement in the rankings. The undergraduate economics program experienced the largest increase, jumping 22 places to tie at No. 139. The undergraduate psychology program appeared in the rankings for the first time at No. 113.

Other program rankings include computer science at No. 125, business at No. 131, and engineering at No. 96.

K-State's recognition in supporting diverse student populations also grew. The university climbed six places to No. 112 among Best Colleges for Veterans, while its standing in Top Performers on Social Mobility rose five spots to No. 396.

"These measures reflect K-State's role in supporting students from a variety of backgrounds, including first-generation and non-traditional learners," the university said.

The rankings provide recognition for K-State's efforts to strengthen academic programs and create opportunities for students across Kansas and beyond.