Photo of VCU Cabell Library at night.
"At VCU, we’re always trying new things, searching for new discoveries to improve our communities and society," said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and VCU Health. "This recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the nation is a milestone that we all celebrate." (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

Sept. 12, 2022

VCU named among the most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report

VCU recognized for its ambitious efforts to strengthen student success and pursue groundbreaking research. VCU’s nursing undergraduate program also earns high ranking.

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By Brian McNeill

Virginia Commonwealth University was ranked among the 30 most innovative public universities in the country in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released today.

Rankings in the category were determined by presidents, provosts and admissions officers who were asked to name the most innovative colleges and universities in the country. The recognition underlines VCU’s restlessly ambitious and innovative approach to strengthening student success and to pursuing groundbreaking research that tackles the world’s toughest problems.

“At VCU we're always trying new things, searching for new discoveries to improve our communities and society. This recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the nation is a milestone that we all celebrate. Our faculty, staff and clinical colleagues are key to this achievement and this honor is well-earned and well-deserved,” said Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and VCU Health. “Our commitment to innovation reflects VCU’s dedication to the success and well-being of our students and patients. We are truly a public good, adapting and innovating to meet the changing needs of our students and our community.”

In addition, the VCU School of Nursing’s undergraduate program ranked No. 22 in the country in its category in today’s updated rankings, up one spot from No. 23 in 2021-22. The School of Nursing’s undergraduate program offers two prelicensure pathways for students to become a nurse — the traditional B.S. and accelerated B.S., and an RN to B.S. pathway for registered nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Among VCU’s top-five programs in previously updated listings are the graduate programs in nurse anesthesia (No. 1), fine arts: sculpture (No. 1), fine arts: printmaking (No. 2), rehabilitation counseling (No. 4) and health care management (No. 5). 

Not all program areas receive updated rankings each year. For more about VCU’s rankings, including graduate programs ranked in the top 50 during previous updates by U.S. News & World Report, visit www.vcu.edu/about-vcu/facts-and-rankings/.