Florida Atlantic University has reached the top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of “Top Public Schools,” moving up to No. 100 from its previous position at No. 103 last year.
This marks the first time Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has been ranked among the top 100 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. FAU President Adam Hasner commented on this achievement, stating, “Florida Atlantic’s ascent into the U.S. News Top 100 Public Schools ranking is a milestone that reflects the extraordinary momentum and impact our university has built over the years, defined by excellence, innovation and opportunity. I am proud to celebrate this achievement with our students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff and community, whose hard work and dedication have propelled our rise as a national leader in higher education. With this bold trajectory, Florida Atlantic will continue to accelerate, transforming lives through student success, innovative research and social mobility.”
In addition to its overall improvement among public schools, FAU advanced in other categories as well. The university rose to No. 30 from No. 32 in the “Social Mobility” category—a measure based on graduation rates for first-generation students and those receiving Pell grants—across both public and private national universities.
FAU also placed at No. 25 nationally for Pell Grant Graduation Performance, which evaluates how effectively an institution supports student achievement for recipients of federal need-based aid.
Furthermore, FAU improved its standing among all national universities—public and private—rising to No. 183 from last year’s ranking of No. 189.
