The Nation’s Best Public University Once Again — Because of You

Campus Update

Chancellor Block shared the following message with the UCLA campus community.

Dear Bruin Community:

Late last night, U.S. News & World Report published its annual ranking of institutions of higher education. And for the seventh year in a row, UCLA was named the nation’s very best public university. Additionally, among all universities — public and private — we achieved our highest ranking ever at #15. 

While many across higher education, myself included, look upon college rankings with a healthy dose of skepticism — is it possible to measure such incredibly complex institutions, each with its own educational philosophy and goals, through a simple system of classification? — I admit that it is gratifying and humbling to see our university selected as the country’s leading public institution. I am also pleased to see our excellent sister campus, UC Berkeley, alongside us in the top spot.

The success that UCLA achieves in these and other rankings is reflective of the hard work, dedication, resilience and ingenuity of the people who make up the Bruin community. UCLA is the best public university in the nation because of the contributions of our staff, faculty, students, alumni and friends. UCLA is the best public university in the nation because of you.

If you wish to share this latest news with others, I encourage you to use the hashtag #1UCLA on social media. We have Zoom wallpapers and other graphics you can use to show your UCLA spirit as well. 

I am also proud to note that this year UCLA was selected by U.S News & World Report as the nation’s best public university for veterans, tied with UC Berkeley. Our commitment to serving those who served is unyielding, and I am thankful that the programs and services we offer our student veteran community and the culture of support we have built have been recognized in this way. All of this builds on other good news: Earlier this summer, UCLA Health impressively placed #1 in California and #1 in Los Angeles in the news outlet’s annual ranking of best hospitals, and made the national honor roll for the 34th consecutive year. 

UCLA opens the doors of opportunity to tens of thousands of students each year, pushes the boundaries of knowledge across the disciplines, supports the health and vitality of one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and remains one of our state’s greatest economic engines. As we approach the start of the new academic year, I offer my deep appreciation for all that you do to make our institution a paragon of excellent public higher education. 

UCLA shines brightly — and that is surely because of you. Fiat Lux.

Sincerely,