UC Riverside business, education, and engineering programs were ranked among the best graduate school programs by U.S. News & World Report in its latest ranking.

In the 2026 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools list, released April 7, UCR ranked highly in several academic disciplines.

The School of Education was ranked No. 74, climbing 16 places from No. 90 last year. The Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering moved up one position, to No. 88.  The college’s computer science program ranked No. 59.

The School of Business’ part-time MBA program tied for No. 85. The School of Business was also ranked No. 101 in Best Business Schools.

Joi Spencer, dean of the School of Education, said she was thrilled to see the school’s impact and reputation acknowledged in the latest rankings.

“This accolade is a reflection of faculty excellence, devotion to student success and our deep commitment to community-engaged work,” she said. “SOE's trajectory continues to grow and we look forward to the future as new degrees, exceptional academic programming, and impactful research shape the lives and opportunities of our region, state and world."

U.S. News also ranked several special areas where UCR did well. They include: No. 34 in earth sciences; No. 41 in statistics; No. 44 in English; No. 52 in political science; No. 56 in economics; No. 56 in history; No. 61 in mathematics; No. 62 in physics; No. 64 in sociology; No. 67 in chemistry; No. 72 in biological sciences; No. 80 in public affairs; and No. 81 in psychology.

Each year, U.S. News ranks professional schools and programs for which schools submit statistical surveys. The publication also uses reputational surveys from academics and industry professionals and students’ postgraduate outcomes to arrive at its rankings.

Last fall, U.S. News named UCR the No. 1 university in the nation for social mobility – the fifth time it has done so in the seven year it has had that category.