February 5, 2026 - UC Merced has been recognized on Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list, a national ranking designed to spotlight institutions that support, advance and elevate women across campus and beyond.

Newsweek developed the new report in partnership with Gender Fair, an organization that promotes gender equity and accountability. As part of the methodology, universities and colleges were evaluated on key measures that matter to women students and families weighing higher education choices. Criteria include leadership opportunities, pay and policies, campus safety, and overall opportunities for women.

According to Newsweek’s website, the goal of this list is to provide prospective students, families and educators with a comprehensive resource that centers women’s experiences in evaluating higher education options. Newsweek states that colleges and universities appearing on the list “place a strong emphasis on factors directly tied to women’s success and experience on campus,” including institutional policies that support equitable pay and advancement, robust safety records and opportunities for leadership.

For more details on America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026, and the full methodology, visit newsweek.com/americas-best-colleges-for-women-2026.

Source: UC Merced