AUM named among South’s best public universities in 2026 U.S. News rankings

Auburn University at Montgomery has once again been recognized among the South’s top public universities in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings.

In the newly released survey, AUM ranked No. 33 overall among public regional universities in the South and placed 64th overall among both public and private peers.

“Auburn University at Montgomery’s continued recognition in the U.S. News & World Report rankings underscores the quality and value of the education we provide,” Chancellor Carl A. Stockton said. “Our students thrive in a supportive, student-centered environment where dedicated faculty and staff help them achieve their goals and prepare them for lifelong success. This recognition is a testament that our efforts are being recognized at the national level.”

In addition to its overall rankings, AUM earned recognition in several specialty categories. The university placed No. 34 among the South’s “Best Colleges for Veterans” and climbed four spots to rank No. 51 in “Best Value Schools.” AUM was also named a top performer in “Social Mobility,” which measures success in graduating students who receive Pell Grants.

The “Best Value Schools” list was determined based on areas such as academic quality relative to cost and the percentage of all students receiving need-based scholarships or grants. The “Best Colleges for Veterans” category highlights institutions that provide benefits and academic support for veterans and active-duty service members, including participation in the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program.

For more than four decades, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings have guided millions of students and families in their college search. The 2026 survey evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities based on up to 17 factors measuring academic quality and graduate outcomes.