The latest Wall Street Journal rankings are in, and Detroit Mercy is closer to the top than ever before.
For the past three years, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ)/College Pulse Survey has ranked universities across the nation. These rankings are not based on aesthetics or given for bragging rights. They are earned by measuring the value the university brings to a student, both while enrolled and post-graduate.
In this year’s rankings, Detroit Mercy ranked No 36, up from No. 43 a year ago. Other new rankings include being the top private university in Michigan, 2nd highest-ranked university in Michigan, 2nd ranking Catholic university in all of the Midwest, and the 3rd ranked Catholic school in the nation.
The university’s president, Dr. Donald B. Taylor, could not be prouder of the school’s growth.
When speaking of the rankings in a University press release, he said, “I don’t think there has ever been a more exciting time to be part of University of Detroit Mercy and our great city. You can feel the energy on campus, in our neighborhood, downtown, and throughout SE Michigan. Achieving a No. 36 rank in the U.S. is not only great for UDM, it’s great for our city and indeed the entire state.”
Detroit Mercy doesn’t just shine in the new overall rankings but also the Best Value Survey. This category is measured based on how swiftly students are able to pay back the average net price of attendance in comparison to post-grad salaries, and comprehensive student experience. This year’s survey garnered over 110,000 student responses, and the university placed 22nd in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 ‘Best Colleges’ edition.
The University is also ranking well in WSJ 2026 College Pulse, which includes categories looking at a school’s social mobility and accessibility to lower income families, maintaining high graduation rates and salary outcomes. Placements include 27th out of 584 in social mobility, 52nd in best salaries, 103rd in the best value, and 309th in student experience.
“There is so much great work being done every single day, year in and year out at Detroit Mercy, and this ranking reflects that,” Taylor said in a University press release. “UDM is making a difference in the lives of our students, our neighborhood, our hometown of Detroit, and our nation. It’s gratifying to be recognized for that.”
While the president and administration take pride in the University’s new rankings, this joy is spread amongst Titan students as well.
“Seeing Detroit Mercy ranked 36th in the nation makes me really proud to be a student here,” said Alexandria Jarbo, a Pre-PA Biology major, on the University’s website. “It reflects how much the professors and community truly care about our success, and it reminds me that I made the right choice coming to UDM.”
While these rankings are impressive on paper, they bring in real results. In recent years,UDM has had record freshmen enrollment, an increase in transfer students, and its second-year student retention rate to 84.2%.
The Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs, Debbie Stieffel, knows how much these rankings mean.
“They are a powerful affirmation of the university’s commitment to each student’s wellbeing and success—both in their careers and in their lives,” Stieffel said on the UDM website “This recognition reflects the tireless dedication of faculty and staff who believe deeply in our students’ potential, and it celebrates the determination, resilience, and accomplishments of the students themselves.”
The university has exciting new programs and opportunities in various colleges, proving their placements are well-earned. UDM recently launched and welcomed the first class of its School of Optometry. The College of Health Professions has added a School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, comprising Health Science and Sports & Exercise Sciences, under the College of Health Professions. This addition comes with two new bachelor’s degree programs: Health Science and Sports & Exercise Sciences.
The School of Law announced the upcoming launch of their online J.D program, being the first in Michigan. Finally, the School of Dentistry opened their doors to the first cohort of students to pursue dental surgery at the university’s new campus opening in Vermont.