Four Shorelight Universities Featured in U.S. News 2023 Top 100 Rankings

There are always a few big days you can count on in US higher education: College Football Signing Day in February. The first and last days of March Madness. National Decision Day on May 1. And, of course, the announcement of the new Best Colleges undergraduate rankings from U.S. News & World Report in mid-September each year.

The 2023 rankings are in – and we’re pleased to share that four Shorelight universities have ranked in the Top 100 Best Colleges!

Additionally, many of our internationally friendly schools were highlighted for innovation, outstanding STEM degree programs, and more. Check out the new rankings, then speak to our expert counselors to find out which top-ranked program makes sense for your study in the USA journey.

Shorelight Universities in the Top 100 Best Colleges

For 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked: 

Shorelight universities ranked in the top 150 include the University of Utah (#105), Fairfield University (#115 - tie), the University of South Carolina (#115 - tie), the University of Kansas (#121), and the University of Dayton (#127).

Check out the latest rankings for all Shorelight universities > 

Shorelight Universities with Top-Ranked Programs for 2023

Overall excellence is just one category of U.S. News’s annual rankings – their experts also consider specific undergraduate degree programs, outstanding academics, teaching, student life, and value, among many other categories.

Here are a few noteworthy top-100 rankings for Shorelight schools for 2023.

Best Value

• University of Dayton - #33

• University of the Pacific - #55

• American University - #83

Business

• University of South Carolina - #39 (tie)

• University of Utah - #39 (tie)

• Auburn University - #51

• University of Kansas - #64

• American University - #86 (tie)

• Louisiana State University - #86 (tie)

• University of Illinois Chicago - #86 (tie)

Computer Science

• University of Utah - #46

• University of Illinois Chicago - #58

• University at Buffalo - #65

• University of South Carolina - #94 (tie)

• Auburn University – #94 (tie)

• University of Kansas - #94 (tie)

Engineering

• UMass Amherst - #54

• University of Utah - #61 (tie)

• Auburn University - #61 (tie)

• University at Buffalo - #68

• University of Illinois Chicago - #75 (tie)

• University of Kansas - #87

First-Year Experience

• University of South Carolina - #3

• American University - #12

• Adelphi University - #49

• Auburn University - #56

Most Innovative

• American University - #30

• Florida International University - #36

• Auburn University - #68 (tie)

• University of Illinois Chicago - #68 (tie)

Undergraduate Teaching

• Gonzaga University - #12

• American University - #36

• Florida International University - #54 (tie)

• University of South Carolina - #54 (tie)

• University of Dayton - #54 (tie)

Check out the latest rankings for all Shorelight universities > 

Expert Tips for Using US University Rankings in Your College Search

If you are still considering where to apply to university in the US, rankings offer a glimpse into both overall and specialized excellence that can guide you in identifying potential good-fit schools. Use rankings to put together your initial list of potential universities to apply to, then delve into more in-depth research from there.

Remember to always consider the source and exactly what is being measured. U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, the Princeton Review, Shanghai Rankings, and other private companies determine their own evaluation criteria and measurements, which are then published annually. Keep this in mind as you research – what one company considers important to rank for may not be something you value, and vice versa.

If you are interested in learning more about using college rankings for your own college research, read our guide to university rankings and accreditations or get in touch with our enrollment counselors. Our friendly expert advisors will work with you one-on-one to provide tailored advice, based on both your academic and professional goals and interests, on how to use university rankings based on what you want to study and your future career plans.  

While the new 2023 rankings announcements are indeed big news, keep in mind that they are just one resource for you to use as you consider your plans to study at a US university – and they will not be able to cover everything a particular college can provide. In fact, many colleges not included in the top rankings still offer amazing experiences, especially for international students!

When it comes to studying in the US, there are many universities and colleges that will give you a prestigious degree, lifelong friends, and exciting career opportunities. Use the 2023 rankings to get inspired, then start your research in earnest!

Shorelight can help you identify your best-fit US university >