Eastern Connecticut State University has once again performed well in the U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, released on Sept. 24. In the 2025 report, Eastern ranks among the top 25 public universities in the North in three categories, solidifying its reputation for access and academic excellence.

In the report, Eastern is ranked:

• No. 22 Top Public School
• No. 23 Best Value
• No. 25 Best College for Veterans

These rankings span a competitive region that includes 11 states and Washington D.C.

Eastern also shines within New England, where it is no. 1 for Best Value and Best College for Veterans, and no. 2 in the Public School ranking, just behind Massachusetts Maritime Academy. In the latest report, Eastern continues to be the top-ranked university in the Connecticut State University system.

“Eastern prides itself on being an outstanding and affordable public liberal arts university,” said Eastern President Karim Ismaili. “The independent recognition from U.S. News and World Report is evidence that our culture of excellence, innovation and care is making a difference to our students and the entire region in a highly competitive educational landscape.”

U.S. News evaluates nearly 1,500 universities nationwide, using 19 different measures. These include key factors like graduation and retention rates, student debt, social mobility, campus culture and the strength of academic programs. Eastern’s strong performance reflects its commitment to student success, with highlights including:

• 84% first-year retention rate
• Top 20 in financial resources for student support
• Strong graduation rate

Eastern’s Best Value ranking reflects its high academic quality and affordable net cost for students. At Eastern, 43% of students receive need-based scholarships or grants, with the average net cost coming to $25,551 — an average discount of 28%.

For veterans, Eastern is ranked among the best thanks to its dedicated support system, including the Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) Center, which provides essential academic and social resources to the University’s veteran/active-military community.

As a Top Public School, Eastern stands among the region’s finest institutions partially funded by tax dollars, providing a high-quality education at a reasonable cost, especially for in-state students.