UC Merced and Fresno State made notable appearances in the latest U.S. News & World Report college rankings, published Tuesday.

UC Merced continued its rise, ranking as the 26th best public school in the nation and 58th overall for the 2024-25 academic year. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal ranked UC Merced 18th overall and 5th among public institutions, also naming it the No. 1 school in the nation for social mobility. according to a UC Merced news release.

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U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Merced No. 3 for social mobility, up from fourth place last year.

“Once again, UC Merced is being recognized as a leader in charting its own path — buoyed by a quest for knowledge and innovation that are hallmarks of the UC system as well as its mission of facilitating access and opportunity for historically underserved populations,” said UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. 

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Fresno State tied for No. 179 among national universities and ranked 97th among public schools, further cementing its role in California’s higher education landscape.

Other standout rankings include Fresno Pacific University, which placed 47th in the Regional Universities West category, and California State University, Stanislaus, which secured a spot in the top 10, tying for 10th.

CSU Bakersfield ranked 30th, while CSU Monterey Bay also earned a top 10 finish, tying for 10th.

Leading the category was California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, claiming the No. 1 spot.

University of the Pacific in Stockton ranked 136th among national universities.