2 Ohio universities among best in world, per Time ranking. Here's why

• Two Ohio universities were named among the top 50 in the world in a new ranking from Time magazine.
• Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland ranked No. 27, while The Ohio State University ranked No. 33.
• The ranking emphasizes student success after graduation, such as patenting inventions or becoming business leaders.
• The top 10 universities on the list are all located in either the United States or the United Kingdom.

(This story has been updated to include additional information.)

Two Ohio universities are among the top 50 in the world in a new ranking from Time.

Time's ranking of "The World's Top Universities of 2026," published on Jan. 28, "places emphasis on the extent to which students achieve extraordinary success, for instance in patenting new inventions or rising to leadership roles in business" over admissions and reputation, according to the magazine.

The lists reveal "where students are likely to achieve the greatest success and contribute most to society," Time writes. For example, universities in the United States and United Kingdom continue to lead in academic performance. Also, universities in China are catching up in innovation and economic impact.

But the list also shows that in most countries, the top universities on the list "are most accessible to children from high-income families, limiting their socioeconomic diversity."

So which universities from Ohio made the list? Here's what to know.

Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University among Time's best in the world

Time's ranking puts Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland at No. 27. When looking only at private universities in the United States, CWRU came in at No. 15.

“We’re honored to receive this distinction, especially in the year in which we’re celebrating our 200th anniversary,” CWRU President Eric Kaler told Crain's Cleveland Business. “This recognition reflects what has defined our university for two centuries: a commitment to rigorous inquiry, innovation and expanding opportunity. Our faculty and staff are deeply invested in preparing students not just for their first job, but for lives of impact — advancing knowledge, strengthening communities and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.”

And the Ohio State University came in at No. 33 on the full list. When looking at only public, U.S. universities, Ohio State was No. 5.

“This ranking confirms what 630,000-plus alumni, leading employers around the world, and countless people whose lives we’ve touched already know: Ohio State keeps company with the best of the best, and we’re only getting stronger,” Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. said in an emailed statement. “I couldn’t be more proud that the excellence of our students, faculty and staff has been recognized in this way. We’re working every day to continue to provide outstanding, affordable, impactful higher education to those we serve.”

“This ranking shines a light on the fact that Ohio State is an impactful academic powerhouse," said Ohio State Provost Ravi Bellamkonda. “Our scholars generate impactful research that shapes our innovation economy, our graduates lead across industries, and our students benefit from an extraordinary academic experience. I am proud of the faculty, staff and students who relentlessly pursue academic excellence every day at Ohio State.”

What are the top 10 universities in the world?

The top 10 universities in Time's ranking are all US or UK-based. They include:

1. University of Oxford, United Kingdom
2. Yale University, United States
3. Stanford University, U.S.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.
5. The University of Chicago, U.S.
6. Harvard University, U.S.
7. University of Cambridge, U.K.
8. Imperial College London, U.K.
9. University of Michigan, U.S.
10. University of Pennsylvania, U.S.