{"id":3350,"date":"2026-07-17T09:19:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:19:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/?p=3350"},"modified":"2026-07-17T09:20:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:20:59","slug":"top-rising-national-universities-rank-50-120-band","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/top-rising-national-universities-rank-50-120-band\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Rising National Universities (Rank #50 \u2013 #120 Band)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/\">By SalaryFor.com &#8211; real salaries for all professions<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right college isn\u2019t just about where a school <em>is<\/em> ranked today \u2014 it\u2019s about where it\u2019s <em>heading<\/em>. In the 2026 U.S. News National University Rankings, several mid\u2011tier universities made <strong>double\u2011digit jumps<\/strong>, signaling stronger academics, better student outcomes, and rising national reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re looking for schools that are <strong>attainable, affordable, and clearly trending upward<\/strong>, this list highlights the top risers in the <strong>#50\u2013#120 ranking band<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. University of South Florida (USF) \u2014 #89<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Movement:<\/strong> +20+ spots over two cycles <strong>Why it\u2019s rising:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Major improvements in graduation rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased research funding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong student outcomes and mobility metrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Selectivity:<\/strong> Moderate (45%) USF is one of the <strong>fastest\u2011rising public universities in the country<\/strong>, making it a standout choice for students seeking value and momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. University of Utah \u2014 #115<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Movement:<\/strong> +10 spots over recent cycles <strong>Why it\u2019s rising:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Expanding STEM and business programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing research footprint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong retention and completion rates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Selectivity:<\/strong> High acceptance (79%) Utah offers a powerful combination of academic strength and accessibility, especially for students interested in engineering, business, or health sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Arizona State University (ASU) \u2014 #117<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Movement:<\/strong> +10 spots over recent cycles <strong>Why it\u2019s rising:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ranked #1 in Innovation for 11 straight years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rapid expansion of research activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong online learning ecosystem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Selectivity:<\/strong> Very high acceptance (&gt;90%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ASU\u2019s Starbucks Partnership: A Tuition\u2011Free Pathway for Working Students<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of ASU\u2019s biggest advantages \u2014 especially for working adults \u2014 is its partnership with Starbucks through the <strong>Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This program allows eligible Starbucks employees (\u201cpartners\u201d) to earn a <strong>fully funded bachelor\u2019s degree online through ASU Online<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key benefits of the Starbucks\u2013ASU partnership include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>100% tuition coverage for eligible partners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No out\u2011of\u2011pocket tuition costs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than 140 online bachelor\u2019s degrees available<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible scheduling for working students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Designed for first\u2011generation and non\u2011traditional learners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important note:<\/strong> Not all majors are offered online, but ASU provides many <strong>career\u2011friendly online majors<\/strong> such as Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This partnership makes ASU one of the <strong>most accessible rising universities<\/strong> for students who want to earn a degree while working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Florida International University (FIU) \u2014 #124<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Just outside the band but a major riser)<\/em> <strong>Movement:<\/strong> +15+ spots over two cycles <strong>Why it\u2019s rising:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong social mobility metrics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved retention and graduation rates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Growing research output<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Selectivity:<\/strong> High acceptance (64%) FIU is a top choice for students seeking an upward\u2011moving university with strong value and accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. University of Cincinnati \u2014 #142<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Just outside the band but a confirmed double\u2011digit riser)<\/em> <strong>Movement:<\/strong> +10 spots over recent cycles <strong>Why it\u2019s rising:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nationally recognized co\u2011op program<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upgraded research classification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong career placement outcomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Selectivity:<\/strong> High acceptance (85%) Cincinnati\u2019s co\u2011op model makes it a standout for students seeking hands\u2011on experience and strong job placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why These Schools Matter<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most mid\u2011tier universities move only <strong>1\u20133 spots<\/strong> per year. Double\u2011digit jumps signal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strong administrative leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased research investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better student outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rising national reputation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved value for tuition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For students seeking <strong>attainable but upward\u2011moving options<\/strong>, these universities offer a compelling blend of accessibility and momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Takeaway<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re targeting schools ranking in the <strong>#50\u2013#120 range<\/strong>, the universities above represent the <strong>strongest upward trajectories<\/strong> in the country. Whether you prioritize affordability, accessibility, or long\u2011term reputation, these rising institutions are worth serious consideration \u2014 especially ASU, which offers one of the most unique tuition\u2011free pathways in the nation through its Starbucks partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Articles<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help readers explore more college and career pathways, here are four closely related articles from SalaryFor.com:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/colleges-that-can-be-free\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/colleges-that-can-be-free\/\">Colleges That Can Be Free<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/starbucks-and-asu-how-the-starbucks-college-reimbursement-plan-works\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/starbucks-and-asu-how-the-starbucks-college-reimbursement-plan-works\/\">Starbucks and ASU: How the Starbucks College Reimbursement Plan Works<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/starbucks-and-asu-how-the-starbucks-college-reimbursement-plan-works\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/starbucks-and-asu-how-the-starbucks-college-reimbursement-plan-works\/\">Is Engineering Still a Viable College Major?<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/best-co-op-programs-for-college-students\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/best-co-op-programs-for-college-students\/\">Best Co\u2011Op Programs for College Students<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/\">click here for more salary information<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By  &#8211; real salaries for all professions Choosing the right college isn\u2019t just about where a school is ranked today \u2014 it\u2019s about where it\u2019s heading.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3895],"tags":[4466],"class_list":["post-3350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-education","tag-rising-national-universities"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3350"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3353,"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3350\/revisions\/3353"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/salaryfor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}