UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State ranks No. 3 in the United States and No. 64 overall among the top international institutions assessed by the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings. The rankings, released June 17, aim to assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — global goals adopted by all U.N. member states that look to improve life for all people and protect the planet.
Penn State is one of only four U.S. institutions to rank in the top 100 globally. Penn State also ranks No. 2 among all Big Ten institutions.
Penn State’s global ranking places the University in the top 3% of higher education institutions worldwide. The rankings saw an 18% increase in participation this year, with the number of ranked institutions rising from 1,963 in 2024 to 2,318 in 2025.
According to THE, the rankings are calculated using calibrated indicators to provide comprehensive and balanced comparison across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
Penn State’s ranking is due in part to its breadth and depth of impactful research, including its strength as Pennsylvania’s land-, space-, sun- and sea-grant university.
"Penn State remains a global leader in sustainability and impact. Our continued recognition in this increasingly competitive field reflects the University's deep commitment to supporting efforts that align with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals,” said Sabine Klahr, vice provost for Penn State Global. “We have substantial research capabilities, world-class faculty, and an innovative approach to interdisciplinary collaboration. These strengths allow us to address pressing global challenges today while preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle these critical issues. I'm proud of our faculty, staff and students who demonstrate our ongoing commitment to this vital work."
Penn State is a member of the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), which promotes integrated approaches to implement the SDGs through education, research, policy analysis and global cooperation. SDSN members work closely with businesses and governments, particularly around the development and scaling up of new solutions. Penn State faculty conduct research and provide expertise that informs policy development.
Reported measurements of local impact reflect the University’s core missions of service and engagement. This includes outreach through programs such as Penn State Extension and facilities such as the Arboretum at Penn State, Fullers Overlook Farm, Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.
In addition to being in the top 3% overall, Penn State also had strong showings across the individual SDGs.
Penn State’s SDG ranks were in:
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SDG 2, Zero Hunger, ranking No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 15 in the world. These universities are recognized for their dedicated efforts in pioneering world hunger solutions, extensive research in food security and impactful educational initiatives aimed at achieving zero hunger globally.
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SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, ranking No. 2 in the U.S. and tied for No. 15 in the world. These institutions excel in integrating sustainability into urban development, enhancing access to basic services, and improving the quality of public spaces and the take-up of public transport.
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SDG 14, Life Below Water, ranking No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 19 in the world. The top institutions excel in advancing sustainable management of marine resources, protecting coastal ecosystems and combating marine pollution.
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SDG 15, Life on Land, ranking No. 2 in the U.S. and tied for No. 21 in the world. The top institutions excel in combating biodiversity loss, promoting sustainable forest management and restoring degraded lands.
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SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals, placing No. 5 in the U.S. and in the top 300 worldwide. The top institutions excel in forging strong international partnerships that support sustainable development across various sectors.
Penn State emphasizes these five SDGs for reporting to the Impact Rankings. However, there also is strong work being done at the University in other areas, such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Learn more about Penn State’s efforts to address the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals here.