Smithfield, RI—Bryant University continued its strong performance in higher education rankings this year, earning recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “2027 Best Colleges” list as a top 10 institution in both the “Regional University” and “Most Innovative School” categories for the North region.
“U.S. News & World Report’s latest recognition confirms the value of a Bryant education,” says Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “We are focusing on the areas that matter most to our students and families — academic innovation, career preparation, and an exceptional student experience — and our investments in these areas are producing strong results. This recognition also belongs to our faculty and staff, whose commitment continues to move Bryant forward.”
Additionally, U.S. News named Bryant the number one regional school for veterans, and number seven for private institutions in the North. The rankings also named Bryant a leading institution for value (No. 31) and recognized the university’s International Business program as 32nd in the nation.
“Taken together, these rankings recognize Bryant’s distinctive educational community, where experiential learning is at the core of what we do and students tackle real-world problems to develop the analytical skills that will make them confident, accomplished leaders,” says Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D., Bryant’s provost and chief academic officer. “Our exceptional faculty inspire students to think critically through a curriculum rooted in interdisciplinary learning that empowers students to lead with purpose. That innovative approach, and the student outcomes it generates, has earned Bryant a place as one of the nation’s leading institutions.”
Last month, Bryant was ranked ninth in the nation for Best Career Services by The Princeton Review, while being named 16th in the nation for Best-Run Colleges and Happiest Students; 19th for Best College Library; and 23rd for Friendliest Students. Bryant was also named to The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges,” “Northeast,” “Green Colleges,” and “The Best 392 Colleges” lists.
Earlier in August, LinkedIn named Bryant the 41st best college in the U.S. in its 2026 Top Colleges list, which recognizes the best 50 colleges for long-term career success, considering job placement, internship and recruiter demand, network strength, career advancement, and knowledge breadth. TIME also ranked Bryant in the top 100 nationally for career outcomes; College Factual named Bryant among the top 5 percent of colleges nationwide, with the university earning strong program-level recognition, including the state’s No. 1 ranking for Accounting.
About Bryant University
For 163 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience, with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences, while embedding applied artificial intelligence and experiential learning across the curriculum.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls over 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top one percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, QS Stars, The Princeton Review, Poets&Quants, and LinkedIn. Bryant.edu