One of the biggest claims to fame a university can cite is how many Nobel Prize winners it has produced, either from its faculty or its graduates. But what makes a university a Nobel university? A university that has produced a large quantity of Nobel Prize winners has done so due to its ability to hold its students and faculty to rigorous standards, encourage their peoples’ talents, and offer facilities that allow students and faculty to explore and expand upon their theories. A supportive, well-funded institution gives its faculty and students the capacity to accomplish much more than a lower-level school, which in turn increases its ability to support and fund research. It’s a cycle that rises higher and higher.
The end result is a large pool of applicants seeking to attend the university, which adds to the school’s prestige. That pool of applicants is often much larger than the school’s ability to accommodate and causes the school to narrow down applicants to the best and brightest. Not only does the school get to boast of producing a large number of Nobel Prize winners, it also gets to proclaim that it graduates students who are the best of the best. All of these qualities contribute to making a university prestigious and desirable.
Best Master’s Programs’ ranking of the top Nobel institutions is based on the total number of Nobel winners associated with the school, both faculty and alumni.
1. Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious schools in the world. It is well-known as a research university which is why many of the top students in the country try to gain admission. The school offers a level of academic excellence that is unmatched especially when it comes to the sciences. Professional faculty members are also part of the equation that allows students at Harvard to be so successful. The university continues to hold its place as one of the most well-respected schools in the world.
From T.W. Richards who won the first Nobel Prize for the University in 1914 until the latest Nobel Laureate in 2019, Michael Kremer (Economic Sciences), Harvard has produced 161 Nobel Prize winners. Winners can be found in almost every category ranging from Math to Chemistry to any of the Science-related subjects. As long as Harvard maintains its high standards towards quality education, there will be many more Nobel Laureates in its future.
Number of Winners: 161
2. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley has a long-standing reputation for being one of the most academically advanced universities on the west coast. The university has Nobel Laureates in five different categories. Students are drawn to the university for many reasons. In most cases, students choose the university for its excellent academic degree programs or to be able to learn from some of the smart educators in the county. Another draw for many students is the school’s high level of diversity.
Nobel Laureates at the University of California, Berkeley have won in five separate categories. Physics has 34 winners. Chemistry is not far behind with 31 winners. Economics has 25 winners. Physiology or Medicine has 17 winners. Literature has 3 Nobel Laureates. Finally, the most well-known of all the Nobel Laureates at the University is Linus Pauling. In 1962, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Paulding was a visiting lecturer at the university from 1929 until 1934, speaking on both Physics and Chemistry.
Number of Winners: 110
3. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago takes great pride in being one of the academic cornerstones in the Midwest. With over 100 Nobel Prize winners associated with the school, either as a student or a faculty member, the university is second to none in the Midwest when it comes to academic excellence. Because of the school’s impeccable reputation when it comes to high academic standards, both students and faculty members are eager to get in. Association with the school has its perks and both students and teachers alike strive to meet those expectations.
Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Economics are where most of the Nobel Laureates fall in terms of category or subject. There have been two Nobel Peace Prize winners to date. Emily Greene Balch won her Nobel Peace Prize in 1946. Barack Obama won his award in 2009. There were also three Nobel Laureates in Literature as well. The list of Nobel Laureates will continue to grow as the University of Chicago maintains the highest possible standards when it comes to both curriculum and educational talent.
Number of Winners: 100
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also known as MIT, sets the benchmark for advanced technology and academic sciences. With 97 Nobel Prize winners to its credit, either through association or as a student or faculty member, MIT is a leader when it comes to academic excellence. Students flock to the school because of its intense and innovative teaching methods. Students know that once they are enrolled in a degree program at MIT, they will be on the fast track to a successful career.
MIT’s list of Nobel Prize winners is both long and illustrious. With most of the winners falling into the Physics, Chemistry, or Economics categories, there are also several who earned Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine. The school has one Nobel Peace Prize winner. That is Kofi Annan who won the award in 2001. MIT continues to produce award-winning graduates in every subject and will continue to raise the bar to ensure academic excellence.
Number of Winners: 97
5. Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the most illustrious universities in the northeastern United States. It is a common go-to for students who want to challenge themselves academically. With 96 Nobel Prize winners associated with the university, it is proof positive that the school draws both the brightest students as well as the most intelligent faculty members. The university continually strives to maintain the highest level of academic excellence possible in terms of both teaching and curriculum.
Physics, Chemistry, and Economics are the categories with the highest number of Nobel Laureates. Columbia also has a considerable number of winners in the Literature category as well. There are six Nobel Peace Prize winners associated with Columbia. Theodore Roosevelt was the first winner in 1906. The following winners were Nicholas Butler (1931), Al Gore (2007), Barack Obama (2009), Liu Xiaobo (2010), and Leyman Gbowee (2011). The list will continue to grow as more students continue to achieve academic excellence.
Number of Winners: 96
6. Stanford University
Stanford University is another prestigious school of higher learning that takes pride in having numerous Nobel Prize affiliations. With 84 to its credit, Stanford continues to draw the best and brightest students from all over the United States. The quality of its educational programs is only part of what makes it so popular. The overall learning environment and professional faculty members are also important factors that many students consider before applying to any of the major universities.
Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Physiology or Medicine are the top categories when it comes to Nobel Laureates at Stanford. The university has three winners that fall into the literature category. The school has only one Nobel Peace Prize winner, Linus Pauling. Pauling won the award in 1962. He was a professor at the university for several years. That same year, alumnus John Steinbeck won a Nobel Prize for literature.
Number of Winners: 84
7. California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology is considered to be one of the most advanced schools in the world when it comes to technology and cutting edge scientific research. Students apply to CalTech for its academic excellence as well as its fast-paced learning environment. Faculty members are some of the smartest in the nation and are constantly pushing the bar in terms of accepting new challenges. The school has won numerous awards for academic achievement with many of its students appearing regular in scientific journals.
Although the school has 76 noted affiliates that have won a Nobel Prize, there are six more that do not qualify. The majority of Nobel Laureates fall into one of the four main categories, including Chemistry, Physics, Economics, or Physiology or Medicine. There are no Nobel Laureates in the Literature category. Linus Pauling is the only affiliate/faculty member who has earned the Nobel Peace Prize. Pauling served as a Professor at the school in 1954.
Number of Winners: 76
8. Princeton University
Princeton University is considered to be one of the elite of all the Ivy League schools. It has a notable reputation for offering the most advanced curriculum and hiring faculty and staff of the highest possible caliber. Both students and faculty choose the university because of its long-standing history of being one of the most advanced when it comes to scientific research and academic excellence. The university continues to produce award-winning and nationally recognized scholars in almost every category.
Princeton University is affiliated with 69 Nobel Laureates who were either students at the school or faculty members. Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Physiology or Medicine are the primary categories. Five fall under the category of Literature. The school has only one affiliate who has earned the Nobel Peace Prize. Woodrow Wilson won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919. He graduated from Princeton in 1879, was a distinguished faculty member, and also served as President Emeritus. Wilson was also the 28th President of the United States.
Number of Winners: 69
9. Yale University
Yale University is one of the most well-respected universities in the world. As with the other Ivy League schools, students apply to Yale with the hopes that they will become a noted scholar. The learning environment, exceptional faculty members, and award-winning degree programs are common factors that students look at when making the decision to enroll. The university also offers many resources that students can utilize to advance their studies and take the first steps on their career path.
Nobel Laureates can be found in all the major categories such as Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, and Physics. The university has five affiliations who were recognized in the field of Literature. There are three Nobel Peace Prize winners who are affiliate with the school. They include Philip Noel-Baker (1959), Elle Wiesel (1986), and Wangari Maathai (2004). Yale University is continually recognized as a leader when it comes to education and advancement of its scholars.
Number of Winners: 65
10. Cornell University
Since its founding in 1865, Cornell University has been one of the most prestigious universities in New England for scholars who are wanting to become a recognized scholar. Faculty members and students are constantly accepting new challenges and working to improve the already advanced academic standards. Every graduate has the distinction of being educated at one of the most academically sound universities in the world. Cornell continues to produce nationally recognized scholars who have earned many scientific achievements and accolades.
Cornell University has 61 affiliates who are also Nobel Laureates. While the highest number of Nobel Laureates fall into the Physics category, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Economics are not far behind. Literature boasts four Nobel Prize winners, one of which is noted author, Pearl S. Buck in 1938. The university also has two Nobel Peace Prize winners as well. They are John R. Mott in 1946 and Norman Borlaug in 1970.
Number of Winners: 61
11. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University has 39 affiliates who have earned a Nobel Prize in one of several categories. Primarily known for its extensive research and medical programs, the university offers students an opportunity to receive their degree from one of the best educational programs in the world. Students and faculty members alike apply to the university to be part of one of the most intense academic arenas in the world. The school’s solid reputation is known the world over for being one of the most elite when it comes to research.
Physiology or Medicine leads the way with the most Nobel Prize winners at 18. Physics, Chemistry, and Economics all have less than ten. Literature has one Nobel Prize winner, J.M. Coetzee in 2003. The school has three Nobel Peace Prize winners. They include Woodrow Wilson in 1919, Nicholas Butler in 1931, and Jody Williams in 1997. Johns Hopkins University is recognized for its academic excellence for a reason. The medical research being performed at the university is continually coming up with new breakthroughs and lifesaving technology.
Number of Winners: 39
12. New York University
New York University has been providing academic excellence for over 190 years. As one of the biggest private universities in the United States, NYU has one of the best business schools in the country, Performing arts students are also drawn to the university for its academic programs. For students who are interested in the social sciences, the university offers many opportunities that can be used to further their careers. NYU continues to be an innovative and academically advanced educational institution.
New York University has many distinguished affiliates who have earned a Nobel Prize in one category or another. Two of the most noted are Elihu Root (1912) and Mohamed ElBaradi (2005), both of which earned the Nobel Peace Prize. There are many Nobel Prize winners at the university that have partnered with professors and scientists from other schools to win Nobel Prizes in areas like Economics and Physiology or Medicine. Working together to achieve these academic accolades gives credit and prestige to the schools with which they are associated.
Number of Winners: 38
13. Rockefeller University
Rockefeller University was established in 1901. To date, it has been associated with 26 Nobel Prize winners over the course of its existence. Five of those Nobel Laureates were still employed as faculty members in 2021. The university is well-respected for its excellence in academia as well as the professionalism of its faculty and staff. Students are given every opportunity to excel within the degree program of their choice, encouraging them to face new challenges and never stop trying to improve.
With numerous Nobel Prize winners as current and past faculty members and students, the school continues to exhibit its high academic and educational standards. The majority of Nobel Prizes has been in the field of Physiology or Medicine. Chemistry and Physics make up the categories for most of the other wards. The university is deeply associated with the sciences and will normally attract students who are interested in the natural sciences and their sub-categories.
Number of Winners: 38
14. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is an award-winning school of higher learning that provides students with a state-of-the-art learning environment that allows them to push past their boundaries and begin to make a difference in the world around them. The university gives students many opportunities to advance academically through post-graduate degree programs that are ranked at the top of the list in the country. Students will often apply to the University of Pennsylvania for all of the academic challenges they will receive through the different degree programs.
The University has many Nobel Prize winners as affiliates. Many of the Prizes were awarded to university students and members in the field of Physiology or Medicine. Chemistry and Physics also had many Laureates as well. One of the most notable of Nobel Prize winners was Martin Luther King, Jr. He earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. King, Jr. was a graduate student at the university from 1950 to 1951. The last Nobel Prize winner of record at the university is Gregg Semenza who earned his award in 2019 in the field of Physiology or Medicine.
Number of Winners: 36
15. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
Established in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the leaders when it comes to providing excellent academic programs and valuable resources that students can use to build their careers. Throughout its one hundred and fifty plus years, it has produced many award-winning graduates, including both Nobel Laureates as well as Influential Scientists of the Century. The advanced academic programs and professional staff and faculty members go together to make each student’s educational experience one they can benefit from.
One of the university’s most notable Nobel Prize winners is also a double Laureate. John Bardeen earned two Nobel Prizes in Physics. The first award was earned in 1955 and shared with two other scientists. The second Nobel Prize in Physics was earned in 1972. Jack Kilby was the last University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to earn a Nobel Prize. He earned his award in 2000 for the invention of the thermal printer.
Number of Winners: 30
16. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota has been ranked as one of the top schools of higher learning for its excellent degree programs and advanced technology. The university continues to strive to achieve a level of academic excellence that will provide students with everything they will need to move forward with their career. The university offers many different degree options for students to choose from depending on the type of classes they want to take and if a specialization is required.
The University of Minnesota has several Nobel Laureates who are affiliated in some way with the school. Fourteen of the Laureates are (or were) faculty members of the university. Seven of the Laureates earned their awards in the field of Economics, while the others earned their awards in Chemistry, Literature, Physics, or Physiology or Medicine. The last University of Minnesota faculty member to win a Nobel Prize was Robert J. Schiller in 2013. His Nobel Prize was earned in the field of Economic Science.
Number of Winners: 30
17. University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego is a relatively young institution, only founded in 196o, but its list of Nobel winners is impressive. UCSD began as a graduate institution looosely related to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, so its reputation as a research institution started from the very beginning. UCSD has 19 dedicated research centers, including a supercomputer and the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind.
Among its numerous Nobel Prize winners, UC San Diego counts prizes in physics, chemistry, medicine, economics, and one Peace Prize winner, Linus Pauling. One of the most accomplished scientists in history, Pauling was foundational in quantum chemistry and molecular biology, and is the only person besides Marie Curie to have won two Nobel Prizes in two different fields.
Number of Winners: 27
18. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is often cited as a Public Ivy, a public university with the influence and quality of the Ivy League. Founded in 1817 in the Michigan Territory (two decades before statehood), UM is a top-tier research institution known for its STEM, medicine, and law programs. UMich scientists have had particular success in computer science and engineering.
The most famous Nobel Winner from the University of Michigan, however, may be poet (and literature professor) Joseph Brodsky. After being forced out of the Soviet Union following 18 months of hard labor for his crime of “social parasitism,” Brodsky escaped to the US where he continued his career at a series of institution, the University of Michigan being the longest. In addition to winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, Brodsky was Poet Laureate of the United States from 1991-1992.
Number of Winners: 26
19. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Wisconsin’s flagship institution, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is an R1 research university and a Public Ivy with a long history of excellence in research (including the discovery of vitamins A and B back in the early 1900s). A land and sea-grant institutions, UW has the 8th largest research budget of any US university and has almost 100 research centers and active projects.
UW alumnus Jack Kilby may be the best-known and most influential of Wisonsin’s Nobel Prize winners. In 1958, as an engineer for Texas Instruments, Kilby made a breakthrough in circuit design, patenting the first integrated electronic circuit – the microchip that made modern computing possible. He also co-invented the first hand-held calculator. Kilby won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000, recognizing a lifetime of world-changing accomplishments.
Number of Winners: 26
20. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a leader in the field of academic excellence. People choose UCLA because of its outstanding curriculum and educational programs that offer students the skills they need to build a solid and rewarding career. The university offers innovative and insightful ways to keep the students engaged in school-related activities. Every chance is given to allow students to move forward and gain the advantage when it comes to learning new skills and abilities.
As one of the many campuses of the University of California, the Los Angeles campus or UCLA has earned the respect of many scholars across the globe. Affiliates of the university have won numerous Nobel Prizes over the past seven decades. Among the most notable is Randy Schekman who earned his Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013. Richard Heck also won a Nobel Prize in the field of Chemistry in 2010. As the school’s reputation for academic excellence continues, more Nobel Laureates can be expected.
Number of Winners: 25
21. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is one of the most well-known and well-respected schools in the area. Highly advanced students apply at WUSL for the quality degree programs and cutting edge technology. Being able to learn from faculty members who have won numerous prestigious awards gives students the motivation they need to go beyond their original goals and reach even farther. While at the university, students can work with award-winning faculty members and students who are performing valuable research for their post-graduate degrees.
At Washington University in St. Louis, there are many Nobel Laureates who affiliated with the school. Several of the Nobel Prize winners earned their award while working at the school While there are Nobel Laureates in every category at the university, Physiology or Medicine has the highest number of wards. Charles M. Rice, Ph.D. earned his award in 2020 in the field of Physiology or Medicine. The earliest Nobel Prize winner at the school was earned in 1927 by Arthur H. Compton in the field of Physics.
Number of Winners: 25
22. Northwestern University
Northwestern University offers a wide range of post-graduate degree programs for students who want to complete the final leg of their education. The university has a reputation for being one of the best schools in the country in terms of academics and research opportunities. Students gravitate to the school because it has the ability to give them the resources they need to advance in their future career goals. The university and its faculty have numerous awards for academic excellence.
Northwestern University has over 20 Nobel Laureates that are affiliated with the school. Dale Mortensen is one of the latest Nobel Prize winners who is affiliated with the school. Mortensen and two other individuals won the Nobel Prize for Physics. He has also won other prestigious awards, as well. In addition to Mortensen’s Nobel Prize, several other affiliates have also earned similar awards in Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Physiology or Medicine.
Number of Winners: 22
23. City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY is one of the most prestigious universities in the New York area. It has the highest standards for excellence when compared to other colleges and universities in the area. Students who want to test their abilities choose CUNY because of the strict protocols and procedures that have been implemented to ensure the highest standards of excellence. Faculty members at the university are professionals in their fields and have won numerous awards and accolades.
At CUNY, there are many Nobel Laureates who are affiliated with the school. Awards have been received in all of the primary categories, except for Literature. The last Nobel Prize earned by an affiliate of the university was awarded to John O’Keefe in 2014 in the category of Physiology or Medicine. The award-winning academic excellence offered by the university ensures that more awards are on the horizon.
Number of Winners: 21
24. University of Washington
The University of Washington is a trendsetter when it comes to developing top of the line degree programs that will allow students to surpass industry expectations as well as their own. The University of Washington is attractive to students because its innovative ideas and best practices put them on the fast track to completing their degree program and allowing them to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible during the process. Every graduate can capitalize on the opportunities they receive while they are at the school.
At the University of Washington, there are many Nobel Laureates who are affiliated with the school, either as a student or a faculty member. In the last 20 years, three affiliates have earned Nobel Prize awards. In 2001 Leland H. Hartwell won an award in the category of Physiology or Medicine. Linda B. Buck won an award in 2004 in the category of Physiology or Medicine. David Thouless won his Nobel Prize in Physics in 2016.
Number of Winners: 21
25. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the best universities in the country when it comes to academic superiority. Students from all over the country apply to enroll in the school’s academically advanced degree programs. The school offers the education that is needed for students to be able to break down any boundaries they may have when it comes to earning their degrees. Carnegie Mellon has been a leader in its field since its founding in 1900.
Carnegie Mellon’s affiliates shave brought 20 Nobel Prizes to the university. This includes awards in five of the six categories including Physics, Economics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature. The last two Nobel Prize winners are Dale Mortensen in 2010 who won the prize along with two other men in the field of Physics. Lars Peter Hansen also won an award jointly with two other professionals in 2013 in the field of Economic Sciences.
Number of Winners: 20
26. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is one of the most popular of the Midwestern universities for students who are interested in gaining an advantage when it comes to having the best education possible. Faculty members have won numerous awards and are always available so that students have someone they can rely on as they continue to pursue their education. The university offers workshops and internships so that students can gain the hands-on experience they need to be successful.
Case Western Reserve University has a long-standing tradition of being associated with Nobel Prize winners. From Albert A. Michelson earning the first Nobel Prize for the university in 1907 in Physics to the latest winner, Richard H. Thaler winning his Nobel Prize award in 2017 in the field of Economic Science. The long list of Laureates associated with Case Western Reserve University is full of distinguished professionals who have spent many years performing research and making breakthroughs in their chosen fields of study.
Number of Winners: 18
27. Duke University
Duke University is one of the most academically advanced schools in the United States. The academic programs are developed to both challenge and inspire students into pursuing lofty goals that will allow them to build a career they can be proud of. Every student who chooses to enroll in one of Duke University’s accredited degree programs is guaranteed to receive all of the skills and talents they will need to be the very best at what they do. The university offers research opportunities so that students can take a hands-on approach to many of their lessons.
Duke University has many Nobel Laureates who are affiliated with the school. In the past few years, Robert J. Lefkowitz was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2012 in the field of Chemistry. In 2015, Paul L. Modrich also earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He shared the award with two other professionals. In 2019, Dr. William Kaelin Jr. won a Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. The list of distinguished Nobel Laureates continues to grow each year.
Number of Winners: 15
28. University of California, Santa Barbara
The University of California, Santa Barbara is one of many University of California campuses that offer solid degree programs that are second to none when it comes to academic excellence and a superior learning environment. UCSB is one of the most distinguished schools when it comes to being recognized for outstanding leadership and guidance. Faculty members have received numerous awards for their academic skills as well as for personal achievements.
When it comes to Nobel Laureates, the university has had several award winners who were directly affiliated with the school. Over the years, there have been two in the field of Chemistry, five in the field of Physics, one under the category of Physiology or Medicine, and two in the field of Economics. The most recent Nobel Prize winner was Shuji Nakamura in 2014 with an award for Physics. UCSB continues to produce award-winning students who are continually making breakthroughs and advancements in the sciences.
Number of Winners: 14
29. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a technologically advanced learning institution that offers prospective students an opportunity to go above and beyond when it comes to facing new challenges and providing valuable resources that can be used to further research or build a solid career foundation. Students often choose UCB because of its strong academic program and open learning environment. The university takes pride in its award-winning faculty and degree programs that allow students to grow and thrive.
The University of Colorado Boulder has several prominent Nobel Laureates that affiliated with the school in numerous capacities. A few of the most recent include Thomas Cech who won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1989, Carl Wieman and Eric Cornell who both won Nobel Prizes in Physics in 2001, and David Wineland who also won a Nobel Prize in 2012 for Physics. The university encourages each of its students to continue to push the envelope when it comes to research and coming up with new and innovative ideas.
Number of Winners: 13
30. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a leader in several areas of education. Students come to the university because of its very diverse and forward-thinking educational programs. Award-winning degree programs provide students with both the knowledge and the resources they can use to build a respectable and profitable career. Faculty members are highly decorated in terms of their achievements and many of the awards they have won.
The University of Rochester has affiliations with many well-respected scholars that have received Nobel Prizes in four of the six primary areas. They include Paul Romer who was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2018 for his work in Economics. Harvey J. Alter won a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2020. In 2018, Gerard Mourou earned his Nobel Prize in the field of Physics. The list of Nobel Laureates affiliated with the school is long and includes many more notable scholars.
Number of Winners: 13
31. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is among several Texas schools that are continually going above and beyond when it comes to offering state-of-the-art technology and superior academic degree programs. Students can enjoy working in a learning environment that is designed to allow them to thrive and continue to pursue even the loftiest of goals. Every student receives the opportunity to advance either through academic coursework or through hands-on learning offered by internships and research.
The University of Texas at Austin is well-known for its many Nobel Laureates, some of which still work at the university in one capacity or another. Some of the more notable Laureates include, J. M. Coetzee who received a Nobel Prize in 2003 in the field of Literature Michael Young received a Nobel Prize for his work with Physiology in 2017. In 2018, Jim Allison also won a Nobel Prize in Physiology. The university’s nationally recognized faculty members and staff are integral in helping these students achieve their goals.
Number of Winners: 13
32. University of California, San Francisco
As one of several University of California campuses, the University of California, San Francisco gives students every advantage to succeed. Each student who chooses to come to UCSF is provided with valuable tools and resources they can utilize as they make their way through their educational journey. From the advanced degree programs to the nationally recognized staff and faculty, each student receives the very best the University of California has to offer.
The list of Nobel Laureates at the University of California, San Francisco is quite impressive and continues to grow with each passing year. A few of the most notable of the Nobel Prize winners who are affiliated with the university include Elizabeth H. Blackburn who earned her Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Shinya Yamanaka also won a Nobel Prize in the same field of study. Across the University of California campuses, including San Francisco, students continue to thrive and reach new heights.
Number of Winners: 10
33. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California has an outstanding track record when it comes to offering new students the challenges and opportunities they need to succeed. Every student who chooses to enroll in the USC degree programs is able to explore many different avenues as they find their way through their college career. The advanced technology and superior academic programs are second to none and provide students with every advantage.
The number of Nobel Laureates at the University of Southern California continues to grow as each year passes. There have been four in the last 22 years. Daniel McFadden and James Heckman both won Nobel Prizes for their individual work in the field of Economics. Arieh Warshel earned a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2013 and finally, in 2015, Angus Deaton earned a Nobel Prize in the field of Economics. The environment at the university encourages excellence and the growing number of Laureates at the university proves that.
Number of Winners: 10
34. Boston University
Boston University is one of the most academically advanced universities in the United States. Many students choose to come here due to the traditions and long-standing reputation for producing award-winning alumni. Every student who enrolls in a degree program at the university is given every resource and tool available to help them overcome challenges and forge ahead when it comes to building their careers. As time passes, more and more students are gaining the advantage they need to succeed.
Boston University has many affiliates who have earned Nobel Prizes over the long history of the school. A few of the most notable have accomplished many other achievements as well. Martin Luther King, Jr. won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Daniel C. Tsui earned a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1996. Osamu Shimomura was honored with a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008. As more and more students continue to explore what Boston University has to offer, more and more prestigious awards will be given to its affiliates.
Number of Winners: 9
35. Purdue University
As one of the elite schools of higher learning in the Midwest, Purdue University offers new students the chance to explore every avenue of their education. The university has won numerous awards when it comes to its superior degree programs and professional faculty members. Students are able to accept challenges and invitations to participate in a variety of intellectual activities that allow them to grow professionally as well as personally. This includes vying for prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize.
Purdue University has affiliations with many award-winning faculty members and former students. One of the most well-respected of these is Ei-ichi Negishi who won the Nobel Prize for his extensive work in the field of Chemistry in 2010. In addition to Negishi, Purdue University is affiliated with eight other Nobel Laureates. The university takes great pride in being able to assist these scholars in achieving all of their academic goals.
Number of Winners: 9
36. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland is one of the most distinguished schools of higher learning in the United States. Faculty members are nationally recognized as some of the most well-respected educators in their fields. Degree programs are fully accredited and offer students the most up to date and accurate course material possible. The university encourages students to push their boundaries and accept new challenges that will allow them to grow and gain valuable experience.
The list of Nobel Laureates at the University is quite long and contains a list of very distinguished and respected names. Professors at the university who have earned a Nobel Prize include John Mather, William Phillips, Rita Colwell, George Gloecker, Roberta Rudnick and many others. Every Nobel Laureate who is affiliated with the university made their way through the educational system and continues to inspire students as well as their colleagues to keep learning and advancing in their chosen fields of study.
Number of Winners: 9
37. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has accumulated many awards over the years. As one of the country’s most recognized and celebrated universities, it is no wonder that the school produces graduates who continually go on to do great things. The academically superior coursework and professional faculty go hand in hand in providing both new and returning students with the best possible education and career opportunities available.
In 2015, one of two noted Nobel Prize winners offered his earnings from the award to one of the Chapel Hill Foundations. Aziz Sancar and Oliver Smithies both won Nobel Prizes for Chemistry in 2015. Both Nobel Laureates donated their medals to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The university continues to display the medals as a way of honoring the work of the two men and to also encourage other students to continue to strive to reach their goals.
Number of Winners: 9
38. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a well-respected school when it comes to offering the best degree programs and resources available to new students. New students often seek out the university because of its advanced degree programs and professional faculty members. Once enrolled in their chosen degree programs, students are able to explore more options when it comes to research and hands-on learning. They are continually encouraged to set new goals for themselves at every turn.
The University of Virginia has been affiliated with many highly decorated alumni and faculty. Over the years, there have been many noted Nobel Laureates who were directly affiliated with the university. They include Clinton Davisson, Ronald Coase, Barry Marshall, and James M. Buchanan, just to name a few. The list of awards received by these men and many others is quite long and shows a solid history of academic excellence.
Number of Winners: 9
39. Indiana University
Indiana University is one of the Midwest’s most advanced and reputable schools. The university has won numerous academic awards and continues to encourage its students to continue to pursue the loftiest of educational goals. Students who attend the university come from all over the world to enjoy the highest quality educational programs and participate in some of the most advanced research projects available. Students are encouraged to apply for competitions and go above and beyond to reach their goalas.
In 2009, Elinor Ostrom won the Nobel Prize for her work with Economic Sciences. She is well-known for her work as an economist and educational leader. The university erected a statue in honor of all her groundbreaking work and notable achievements. Ostrom is only one of several Nobel Laureates that are affiliated with the prestigious university. She is, however, one of the only women.
Number of Winners: 8
40. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is one of the most advanced universities in the state of Texas. Not only does it offer state-of-the-art technology, it also provides students with many different opportunities they can use to get ahead and strive to reach the goals they have set for themselves. The university is affiliated with numerous award-winning faculty members and alumni who have moved on to achieve some of the highest possible honors, including a few Nobel Prize winners.
There are many notable Nobel Laureates who are affiliated with the university. The latest is Vernon L. Smith who earned his Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002. Previous winners include Elias James Corey, Robert H. Grubbs, and Dudley R. Herschbach who all won Nobel Prizes in the field of Chemistry. Other winners include Jack Kilby and David Lee who earned their awards for their work in the field of Physics.
Number of Winners: 8
41. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is one of the most prestigious of all the southern universities. It has a long-standing tradition of offering the best degree programs and research opportunities available. Accredited degree programs and award-winning faculty go together to create a nationally-recognized learning environment that allows students to excel at whatever they attempt. Over the years, many students have gone on to earn several different national and international awards.
At Vanderbilt University, two affiliates earned the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In 1986, Rita Levi-Montalcini and Stanley Cohen were recognized for their work with growth factors. Cohen has been with the university since 1959 and is considered to be a Distinguished Professor in the field of Biochemistry. The university has many other Nobel Laureates as affiliations as well. As more and more students begin to achieve academic excellence the number of awards will continue to grow.
Number of Winners: 8
42. Brown University
Brown University has a long-standing reputation for offering students advanced learning opportunities that will allow them to continue to grow and achieve academic excellence. The university’s degree programs are accredited to ensure that each student receives the quality of education they deserve. In addition to coursework that is second to none when compared to programs from other universities and colleges, faculty members are in place that has earned academic achievements and awards.
When it comes to Nobel Laureates, Brown University’s own J. Michael Kosteritz earned a Nobel Prize for his work in the field of Physics in 2016. The professor, as well as other faculty and staff are constantly striving to ensure that students have everything they need that will allow them to do the research and coursework they need. By encouraging them to go the extra mile, it is guaranteed that there will be many more awards in the future of many of the students at Brown University.
Number of Winners: 7
43. Tufts University
Tufts University is one of the top research schools in the world. Students often choose to go to the university because of all the research opportunities that are made available to students. Whether the student is an undergrad or a graduate student, the key is to have the right type of resources available that challenge the student to learn everything they can and work towards building a solid career for themselves in the future. Finding new ways to explore and advance their careers is the key.
Two of the most prominent of the Nobel Laureates affiliated with Tufts University are Roderick MacKinnon who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2003 and Juan Manual Santos who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 206. Santos was president of Columbia at the time. The university is constantly working toward providing all students with new and unique opportunities for advancement. Every new challenge is an opportunity for success.
Number of Winners: 7
44. University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine is one of the most prominent of all the UC campuses. Not only does UCI offer the top educational programs, faculty members come to the university to be able to pass on their legacies to the students. The majority of faculty and staff members are highly intelligent, award-winning professionals who have taken their careers to the next level. Now, instead of simply teaching, they want to draw students in and share what they know turning students into peers.
At the University of California, Irvine, there are several distinguished Nobel Laureates. They include Frederick Reines who won his Nobel Prize in Physics, and Sherwood Rowland, who earned his award in the field of Chemistry. Both professors won their awards in the same year in 1995. In most cases, a university may have one winner, but to have two winners in the same year was practically unheard of. UCIrvine continues to encourage every student to strive for even the highest of all awards.
Number of Winners: 7
45. University of Miami
The University of Miami offers strong academic programs and effective leadership skills to students who are ready to enroll in one of its accredited degree programs. While many students may be drawn in by the university’s location, those who are serious about their education know that the University of Miami offers the best learning opportunities as well as the most effective challenges in the country. The university knows that for students to succeed, they must be inspired and motivated to keep moving forward.
The Nobel Laureates affiliated with the University of Miami is well-known throughout the country for many of their ongoing achievements. Eric R. Kandel, M.D. and Fred Kavli, are both professors at the University of Miami. The two men won Nobel Prizes in the field of Physiology or Medicine. The men were recognized for their work with Aplysia and how it affects the body. In addition to other Nobel Laureates, the two men are just a small reminder of the level of academic excellence that can be found at the University of Miami.
Number of Winners: 7
46. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is one of the most advanced and well-respected teaching hospitals in the country. Students who are interested in a career in medicine or medical research can find a degree program they are interested in at the university and be guaranteed that they will have all the skills they need to succeed on the day of their graduation. The ultimate goal is to find a degree program and faculty that challenge you to always do better and strive for excellence.
In 2015, Dr. Aziz Sancar and two other noted scholars won a Nobel Prize in the field of Chemistry. He was the first alum to ever achieve the honor of earning a Nobel Prize. Since that time, other affiliates have gone on to win the coveted award for the university. Everyone at the university looks forward to the future achievements of the graduates of the University of Southwestern Texas Medical Center. Those graduates are the ones who will be making a difference in the lives of so many.
Number of Winners: 7
47. Amherst College
Amherst College is one of the elite schools of higher learning that is dedicated to continually offering every new student the best academic experience possible. Many students choose Amherst because of its impeccable reputation for having the highest quality degree programs and the most professional faculty members. The college is considered to be one of the most advanced in terms of both coursework and technological resources.
The college has many Nobel Laureates that are worth mentioning. Harold E. Varmus earned his Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1989. In 1990, Henry W. Kendall earned a Nobel Prize in Physics. Joseph E. Stiglitz earned his Nobel Prize in 2001 in the field of Economics. Edmund S. Phelps was the last Nobel Prize winner in the field of Economics, earning his award in2006. With the school’s continued track record of success, more Nobel Laureates are sure to come.
Number of Winners: 6
48. Florida State University
Florida State University is one of the leaders when it comes to advanced technology and academically superior coursework. Students who choose to enroll in FSU’s award-winning degree programs are guaranteed to get the best possible opportunities and resources. Among the professional faculty members are many award-winning scholars who have earned the respect of their peers. Students can expect to receive the highest quality education possible no matter what degree program they choose.
There are six Nobel Prize winners who are affiliated with Florida State University. Each one has been honored with a bust on the university’s Nobel Laureate Walk. The honorees include Sir Harold W. Kroto, Robert S. Mulliken, Paul Dirac, John R. Schrieffer, Konrad E. Block, and James Buchanan. Each of the Nobel Prize winners is affiliated to the university, either as a faculty member or recognized alumni. Students are reminded of their achievements every time they pass through the area.
Number of Winners: 6
49. Rutgers University
Rutgers University is one of the most honored and well-known universities in the country. Students who are interested in working with professional faculty members who are recognized for their long list of achievements can find what they are looking for at Rutgers. The faculty, as well as the academically superior degree programs make for one of the most advanced learning experiences a student could ever ask for. The university also offers an abundance of resources that students can rely on when facing academic challenges.
There are two well-known Nobel Laureates who are affiliated with Rutgers. They include Milton Friedman who won his Nobel Prize in the field of Economics in 1976. Toni Morrison was a teacher at the university as well as a novelist. She earned her Nobel Prize in the field of Literature in 1988. She also won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Both affiliates are held in the highest esteem by their colleagues at the university.
Number of Winners: 6
50. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona has been recognized as a leader in its field in terms of quality academics, state of the art technology, and professional faculty members. The degree programs are second to none in comparison with similar programs from other universities. Students who choose the University of Arizona do so for the superior academics and innovative learning environment. Every possible advantage is offered to students to ensure they have everything they need to succeed.
Several Nobel Laureates from across the world are affiliated with the University of Arizona. Brian P. Schmidt who is an astronomy professor at the Australian National University is an alumnus of the university. He earned a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011. He shares the award with Saul Perlmutter and Adam G. Reiss. Many of the alumni of the university have gone on to earn other prestigious awards as well.
Number of Winners: 6
Who are Some of the Most Famous Nobel Prize Winners?
The Nobel Prize has been in existence since 1895 and has recognized outstanding individuals in many fields that have done things to help improve the everyday lives of people. Nobel Prize categories include medicine, literature, physics, economics, chemistry and peace. There is an irony in the fact that Alfred Nobel, founder of the prize, made his fortune as an arms dealer and the patent holder of dynamite. Nobel designed the prize to recognize man’s contribution to man and laud those who were driven to use their talents to make new discoveries that are taken for granted in the modern era. Some of the most famous Nobel Prize winners include:
- Marie Curie (twice)
- Pierre Curie
- Ivan Pavlov
- Rudyard Kipling
- Max Planck
- Woodrow Wilson
- Enrico Fermi
- George Bernard Shaw
The list of early-to-middle 20th Century Nobel Prize winners is a who’s who of people that are found in the history books and have countless books written about their lives and achievements. Marie Curie is perhaps the most famous and one of the earliest winners due to her work with radiation along with her husband, Pierre. However, not everyone who earns a Nobel Prize is famous or well-known. Two examples are Marie Curie’s daughter, Irene Joliot-Curie and her husband, Frederic Joliot-Curie, are joint winners of the chemistry prize for their work in discovering artificial radioactivity.
Who are Some Prominent Recent Nobel Prize Winners?
The Nobel Prize has been awarded almost every year since its inception apart from cancellations during WWII. Some of the most recent Nobel Prize winners that are well-known to the modern era include:
- Linus Pauling
- Ernest Hemingway
- Martin Luther King
- Murray Gell-Mann
- Bob Dylan
- Barack Obama
- Barry James Marshall
- Doris Lessing
- World Food Programme
- International Atomic Energy Agency
Winners of the Nobel Prize cut across topics and professions that affect people’s everyday lives. Sometimes the people who win a prize in one of the categories are considered controversial, sometimes they’re deserving. The goal of the Nobel Prize is to recognize the contributions of these individuals and groups to society and enable them to continue their work. Prize winners are awarded a gold medal along with a considerable financial sum, but many choose to continue working on their projects and make new discoveries along the way.
A majority of the people who have won Nobel Prizes are people whose names have been lost to history or aren’t very well-known outside their respective circles. The prize is also awarded to groups of people working together and to organizations that have worked to improve basic living conditions for disadvantaged populations. What this shows is the fact that an award winner doesn’t have to be famous or exhibiting peak mental performance to win. Rather, the award is designed to recognize ordinary people who have made selfless efforts to make the world a better place for their fellow human being.
So Which Country Has the Most Nobel Prize Winners?
When taking a look at which university has the most Nobel prize winners, you’ll find that Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, has the most with a total of 161. Cambridge University in the UK comes in at a distant second with 121, and University of California, Berkeley is in third place with 110. It’s far easier to find a school in the U.S. that has produced Nobel Prize winners than anywhere else in the world.
As for which country has the most Nobel Prize winners, you’ll find that the U.S. has the lion’s share. Part of the reason why the U.S. has so many Nobel Prize winners is the fact that American universities are more welcoming to brilliant minds than other universities around the world. Over 30% of all American Nobel Prize winners were born in another country since the inception of the prize in 1895. It’s true that there is no way of knowing if attending a university like Harvard will put someone on track for a Nobel Prize, but attending a prestigious university like Harvard does increase the potential for employment with highly regarded employers.
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