Joseph Govreau, student marshal and outstanding student in social work, carries the banner for the School of Social Work during commencement ceremonies last May. The university received high marks in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” rankings, finishing first in Missouri and among the top 100 nationally on the publication’s list of “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
Since its founding more than 60 years ago, the University of Missouri–St. Louis’ mission has been to transform lives. The university has continually delivered exceptional educational and research opportunities to students from all backgrounds, which aid them in fulfilling their potential and improving their socioeconomic circumstances.
U.S. News & World Report once again recognized UMSL for its achievement in that arena. In the 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings unveiled Tuesday, the publication ranked UMSL first in Missouri and No. 87 nationally on its list of “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which highlights how well universities have graduated students who receive federal Pell Grants. UMSL has made the list every year since it debuted in the 2020 rankings, and it has been first in the state each of the past four years.
Nearly 50% of UMSL students were Pell-Grant-eligible in the 2024-25 academic year. Those recipients come from households whose family incomes are less than $50,000 annually. However, most Pell Grants are awarded to students with a total family income below $20,000, so a college degree can be instrumental in helping these students increase their earning potential and improve their socioeconomic status.
“Making a college education attainable to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds has always been central to our mission at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and we strive to provide opportunities for our students to transform their futures,” Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said. “We are proud that U.S. News & World Report’s rankings continue to recognize the university’s important work in this area.”
UMSL remained a Tier 1 research university in the publication’s overall rankings and was ranked No. 136 on the list of top public universities.
Additionally, several academic programs fared well in this year’s rankings. UMSL’s undergraduate international business program ranked No. 25 nationally, which makes it the 22nd time in 23 years the program has secured a top 25 ranking.
Undergraduate business program rankings are based on the judgment of deans and senior faculty at other Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business member institutions who participate in a peer assessment survey.
“As the global business environment continues to evolve at an increasingly frenetic pace, our students need to be ready to compete and succeed,” said Joseph Rottman, director of UMSL’s International Business Institute and professor of information systems and technology. “This latest ranking by U.S. News & World Report is a testament to the alignment of our accomplished and dedicated faculty and staff, our engaged and generous advisory board and our motivated and inspiring students.”
UMSL helps its students forge global connections through study abroad opportunities as well as the International Business Case Competition and International Business Career Conference. These experiences help prepare them to thrive in an international business environment.
“As the recently named Ed G. Smith College of Business, we are excited to pursue strategic initiatives that are in line with Ed G. Smith’s vision for continuing to prepare UMSL students for success wherever their careers take them,” Rottman said.
UMSL’s overall undergraduate programs in business as well as engineering, nursing and psychology were all ranked among the top 200 nationally.
