BYU Earns Global Recognition in University Visibility Ranking
PROVO, Utah — In a landmark moment for higher education, Brigham Young University (BYU) has earned global recognition by placing in the top tier of the 2025 Global University Visibility Index, a comprehensive international ranking that evaluates academic, athletic, and cultural impact across over 1,000 institutions worldwide.
The Global University Visibility Index, published annually by the International Education Metrics Consortium (IEMC), measures a university’s influence based on media presence, academic citations, athletic prominence, alumni impact, and digital reach. For the first time in its history, BYU not only cracked the top 50 but placed an unprecedented 27th globally and 5th in the United States—surpassing elite Ivy League institutions and powerhouses such as Stanford and Michigan in overall engagement metrics.
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modern Excellence
What sets BYU apart in this year’s rankings is the unique intersection of tradition and modern relevance. The university’s unwavering values-based mission, coupled with a surging athletics profile—particularly following its transition to the Big 12 Conference—has dramatically elevated its global brand. The report credits BYU’s “integrity-driven identity,” rising international enrollment, and a rapidly expanding digital education platform for the leap in visibility.
“Our goal has never been visibility for visibility’s sake,” said BYU President C. Shane Reese in a statement. “But this recognition affirms that when you stay true to your mission, the world takes notice. This is a win for every faculty member, student, and alum who helps make BYU what it is.”
Athletics: The Catalyst of Visibility
Much of BYU’s rise can be attributed to the explosive performance of its athletic programs. The football program’s national exposure through prime-time Big 12 matchups, the recent Final Four appearance by the men’s basketball team under new head coach Kevin Young, and the women’s volleyball team’s dominance in global tournaments have all played critical roles.
Star quarterback Jake Retzlaff and breakout basketball star Dallin Hall were both featured in global sports outlets throughout the 2024–25 academic year, furthering BYU’s brand recognition across continents.
Faith, Academics, and Innovation
Beyond athletics, BYU’s commitment to academic excellence has become a talking point in global media. Its language programs remain among the top in the nation, while research initiatives in engineering, clean energy, and ethics in AI have positioned BYU as a thought leader. The Harold B. Lee Library’s digital archives were also cited by IEMC analysts as a standout resource that has been accessed by scholars in more than 80 countries.
In partnership with Deseret Digital Media and global learning platforms, BYU also saw a 41% increase in online course enrollment from international students in the past year alone—yet another reason for its rapid visibility climb.
Looking Ahead
BYU’s inclusion in the top ranks of the Global University Visibility Index signals a new era. What was once perceived as a regional or niche institution has now emerged as a dynamic global brand—without compromising its core values.
“This is more than a milestone—it’s a movement,” said Athletic Director Tom Holmoe. “The world is starting to understand what we’ve always known here in Provo: BYU is a global university with a mission that resonates far beyond the Wasatch Front.”
With continued success across academics, athletics, and digital innovation, BYU’s position on the global stage seems poised to grow—making 2025 not just a breakthrough year, but the start of a new legacy.
