Yale Ranks 2nd, UConn Makes Time's List of Top Global Universities

The prestigious list highlights Connecticut's academic prowess on the world stage.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Yale University was ranked the second-best university in the world by Time magazine, while the University of Connecticut also made the prestigious list, coming in at number 111 out of 500 schools. The Ivy-Plus colleges, including Yale and other elite U.S. institutions, were well-represented on the global rankings, though concerns remain about the over-representation of students from wealthy backgrounds at these top schools.

Why it matters

The rankings underscore Connecticut's standing as a hub for higher education, with two of its universities earning global recognition. However, the disproportionate number of wealthy students at the top colleges raises questions about accessibility and the need for greater socioeconomic diversity at elite institutions.

The details

Yale was the second-highest ranked university in the world, trailing only the University of Oxford in the UK. The University of Connecticut also earned a spot on the list, coming in at number 111 out of 500 schools. The 12 "Ivy-Plus" colleges in the U.S., which include Yale and other elite institutions, were well-represented on the list. Yet, Time's analysis found that over 15% of students at these top colleges come from families in the top 1% of the U.S. income distribution, earning over $600,000 annually.

  • Time magazine released its list of the world's top 500 universities for 2026 on February 8, 2026.
  • In January 2026, Yale announced it would eliminate tuition and other costs for all new undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000 per year.

The players

Yale University

A prestigious Ivy League institution located in New Haven, Connecticut that was ranked the second-best university in the world by Time magazine.

University of Connecticut

The flagship public university of Connecticut, which was ranked 111th on Time's list of the world's top 500 universities.

Ivy-Plus Colleges

A group of 12 elite U.S. universities, including Yale and the other Ivy League schools, as well as Stanford, MIT, Duke, and the University of Chicago.

Raj Chetty

An economist who co-authored an article accompanying Time's university rankings that focused on the need for greater accessibility at top colleges.

John Friedman

An economist who co-authored an article accompanying Time's university rankings that focused on the need for greater accessibility at top colleges.

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What they’re saying

“Because these institutions offer such a unique pipeline to leadership positions, it is important that they select students in ways that provide the broadest possible access within the most qualified students.”

— Raj Chetty and John Friedman, Economists (Time)

What’s next

Yale has announced it will eliminate tuition and other costs for all new undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000 per year, starting in the fall of 2026. This policy change is aimed at improving socioeconomic diversity at the elite institution.

The takeaway

While Connecticut's top universities have earned global recognition for their academic excellence, the disproportionate representation of wealthy students at these elite colleges highlights the need for greater accessibility and socioeconomic diversity in higher education. The policy changes at Yale demonstrate a step in the right direction, but more work is needed to ensure top universities reflect the full breadth of talent and backgrounds in the United States.