August 22, 2011
UW ranked 16th in world in recent study
The University of Washington ranks 16th among universities around the world in a recent study by the Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The study ranked universities on four criteria: quality of education, quality of faculty, research output and per capita performance.
“The Shanghai Jiao-Tong ranking is recognized worldwide as one of the more meaningful evaluations of university quality,” said UW President Michael K. Young. “The term ‘world-class sometimes gets overused in various contexts. In this case, the University of Washington is truly in a class of great universities of the world—and most of the top ones, it turns out, are American. The ranking reflects the spectacular quality of our faculty and the students they are privileged to teach. We need to make sure, especially in our current environment, we keep it that way.”
The UW ranked 14th among US universities and fourth among American public universities, behind three California schools – University of California, Berkeley; UCLA, and University of California, San Diego.
The UW also ranked 3 in medicine and pharmacy, 5 in life sciences, 17 in mathematics, and 20 in computer science.
All but three of the top 20 schools – Oxford, Cambridge and University College, London — are American.
“The University of Washingtons research drives business innovation and opens the doors to medical and technological breakthroughs previous generations never thought possible,” Governor Chris Gregoire said. “Most importantly, the University provides graduates not only with degrees but with the skills to seize the knowledge economys opportunities in Washington state and beyond.”
“This report confirms what we already know. The University of Washington is essential to Seattles economic vitality. And we must do everything in our power to preserve and nurture its research functions and superb educational environment,” said Phil Bussey, president & CEO of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said, “As an alumnus of the University of Washington, I have a direct understanding of the benefit we gain by having this distinguished institution in our backyard,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “As Executive, I see clearly how everyone in our region benefits from having a world-class university here. Employers benefit from having access to cutting-edge research and resources; our local economy is diverse and strong as a result of the varied subjects that students explore, and many alumni go on to become valued community leaders.”
The UW ranked 16 in the centers study last year.
