UW News

August 18, 2014

University of Washington No. 15 in the world

U. of Washington

U. of Washington

The University of Washington moved up one position to No. 15 on the 2014 Academic Ranking of World Universities, conducted by researchers at the Center for World-Class Universities of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which was released Friday. The UW ranked 13th among U.S. universities and fourth among public institutions worldwide. The ranking considers several indicators of academic or research performance, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, highly cited researchers, papers published in Nature and Science magazines, papers indexed in major citation indices, and the per capita academic performance of an institution, according to the organization.

“The Jiao Tong rankings track faculty performance and quality,” said UW President Michael K. Young, “which is the single most important factor in determining an institution’s quality. An outstanding faculty attracts outstanding students and the results are magical. It is a real testament to our faculty and students that we improved a notch this year. Being among the 15 best universities in the world is a distinction of which we are extremely proud.”

This is the highest ranking the UW has received since the ARWU began releasing them in 2003. The UW has maintained a position in the world’s top 20 since the inaugural year, but this year’s ranking breaks a seven-year stay at No. 16.

The UW was also ranked third best in the world in clinical medicine and pharmacy, and sixth best in the world in life sciences.