US News Education School Ranking - Vanderbilt No. 1

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development has consistently held a prominent position in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, and in 2010, it rose to the top spot, surpassing previous leader Stanford University. This marked a significant milestone in Vanderbilt’s history, as it ascended from second place to claim the number one position in the prestigious list of education schools. Along with its overall ranking, Peabody College was also lauded for its exceptional programs in various specialized fields within education, cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s leading institutions for the study of education.

In the 2010 rankings, Vanderbilt not only clinched the top spot overall but was also ranked first in multiple specialized areas of education, including special education, education administration, and supervision. These rankings reflect the college’s dedication to producing highly skilled educators and administrators who are capable of tackling complex challenges in the education sector. For example, the program in education administration and supervision was ranked first in the nation, a position it has maintained for several years, thanks to its rigorous curriculum and real-world application. Peabody College’s special education program also earned top honors, reinforcing its role as a trailblazer in inclusive educational practices and policies that support diverse learners.

In addition to its strengths in special education and administration, Peabody College excelled in several other key areas. Its programs in educational policy and elementary education were both ranked 5th, while the educational psychology program held the 7th spot. These rankings showcase the breadth of Peabody’s offerings and highlight its commitment to preparing educators for a variety of roles within the educational system, from policy makers to classroom teachers. The higher education administration program, another key area of focus at Peabody College, was ranked 8th, demonstrating the institution’s strong emphasis on leadership in postsecondary education.

The 2010 rankings were notable not only for Vanderbilt’s rise to the top but also for shifts in the positions of other prestigious education schools across the United States. Stanford University, which had held the top spot for several years, fell to second place, while Teachers College at Columbia University remained in third, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in education. Other notable changes in the rankings included UCLA, which dropped to 5th place from 3rd in 2009, and Oregon, which made a significant move into the top 4 after previously being ranked 5th.

In addition to these changes, there were several institutions that made significant strides in the rankings. Johns Hopkins University, for instance, saw a marked improvement, moving up from 20th to 7th, showcasing the growing strength of its education programs. Northwestern University also rose to 7th place, tying with Johns Hopkins, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence. Similarly, University of Wisconsin-Madison, which was previously ranked outside the top 10, broke into the elite group, earning a spot at 7th place along with other top-tier universities such as University of California-Berkeley, University of Texas-Austin, and University of Wisconsin-Madison. These universities have shown consistent improvement in the quality of their education programs, contributing to their rise in the rankings.

While some schools experienced upward movement, others saw their rankings slip. Michigan State University, for instance, dropped from 14th to 17th place, while Ohio State University remained firmly entrenched in the 16th position. The University of Kansas and Boston College both secured the 18th and 19th spots, respectively, showcasing the strength of their education programs despite not being at the top of the list.

The rankings also highlighted some newer and emerging programs, including Indiana University-Bloomington, which made a strong showing at 19th, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, which continued to maintain a respectable position at 21st. The rankings indicate that there are a number of institutions across the country offering high-quality education programs, but Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, with its well-established faculty, innovative programs, and history of excellence, remains a clear leader in the field.

In terms of the broader league table, the 2010 rankings also reflect the rising importance of educational policy, leadership, and specialized programs in shaping the future of the field. As education continues to evolve in response to new societal needs and challenges, schools like Vanderbilt are leading the charge in preparing the next generation of educators, policymakers, and leaders who will shape the future of American education.

League Table 2010 (Top 30):
1. Vanderbilt University (Peabody) (TN)
2. Stanford University (CA)
3. Teachers College, Columbia University (NY)
4. University of Oregon
5. University of California-Los Angeles
6. Harvard University (MA)
7. Johns Hopkins University (MD)
7. Northwestern University (IL)
7. Univ of California-Berkeley
7. Univ of Texas-Austin
7. Univ of Wisconsin-Madison
12. Univ of Washington
13. Univ of Pennsylvania
14. New York University (Steinhardt)
14. Univ of Michigan--Ann Arbor
16. Ohio State Uni
17. Michigan State Uni
18. Univ of Kansas
19. Boston College (Lynch)
19. Indiana Univ--Bloomington
21. U of Minnesota--Twin Cities
22. U of Southern California (Rossier)
23. U of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
24. Arizona State Univ
24. Pennsylvania State Univ--University Park
24. U of Connecticut (Neag)
24. U of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
24. U of Maryland--College Park
24. U of Virginia (Curry)
30. U of Georgia
30. Utah State Univ

Source: US News & World Report