NC State University has once again performed well in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for graduate programs in 2025. Several programs have either maintained their high standings or improved, with three programs ranking among the top five in their respective fields.
The College of Engineering at NC State had two programs retain their positions in the top five. Nuclear engineering ranked at No. 3, holding steady from last year, while biological and agricultural engineering, managed jointly with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, maintained its No. 4 position from 2024.
The College of Veterinary Medicine also remained among the top five, repeating its No. 5 ranking from the previous year.
NC State’s mathematics programs held their positions as leaders nationally. The statistics program ranked at No. 11, and applied mathematics secured the 18th spot, both unchanged from the prior year.
Additionally, two of NC State’s graduate programs improved their rankings. The College of Education ascended three spots from No. 30 to No. 27, while the public affairs programs advanced from No. 65 to No. 61.
According to U.S. News, their rankings are derived from a mix of statistical data reflecting educational quality, such as student performance on admission tests and peer evaluations of a university’s academic reputation.
