AU's College of Education is ranked 46th among public institutions and 62nd overall by U.S. News and World Report. The college, which is in the top 25 percentile of all colleges ranked, moved up from 70th overall last year. The college enjoyed increased standings when compared to peer institutions in the areas of research funding, the number of faculty involved in research and the number of students seeking doctoral degrees. It also maintained its reputational score among surveyed school superintendents and increased its reputational score among administrators at peer institutions -- both which factor into how each college is ranked.

The Rehabilitation Counseling program in the college's Department of Rehabilitation and Special Education moved up to 17th nationally from 20th in the previous ranking period. It is now ranked number 14th among public institutions.