Complete University Guide 2027: Loughborough enters second decade as a UK top 10 university

University
A group of four students are sat on the edge of the University fountain, smiling and chatting together

Loughborough University has entered its second decade as one of the UK's top 10 universities after being ranked eighth out of 130 institutions in the Complete University Guide 2027.

The achievement means Loughborough remains among a select group of universities that have maintained a top 10 position for more than 10 consecutive years, alongside Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics, St Andrews, Durham and Imperial College London.

The latest results also see Loughborough retain its position as the highest-ranked university in the East Midlands.

Published today (Tuesday 2 June), the Complete University Guide is based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, spending on student facilities, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects – outcomes, and graduate prospects – on track.

Professor Nick Jennings, President and Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, said: “Entering a second decade as a top 10 university is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone at Loughborough can take pride in.

“It reflects the commitment of our staff, the talent and ambition of our students, and the support of our partners and wider community.

“To be recognised consistently among the UK's leading universities for more than 10 years is no small feat. While we're proud of this achievement, we're equally focused on continuing to improve and ensuring Loughborough remains a place where students, staff and partners can succeed.”

The top 10 universities in the Complete University Guide 2027 are:

  1. Cambridge
  2. Oxford
  3. London School of Economics
  4. St Andrews
  5. Imperial College London
  6. Durham
  7. Warwick
  8. Loughborough University
  9. Bath
  10. Lancaster

The full league table can be viewed at TheCompleteUniversityGuide.co.uk.

Discover what makes Loughborough one of the UK's leading universities. Explore our 'Why Choose Us' page or book an Open Day to experience campus life for yourself.

Press Release Reference: PR 26/105

Judy Wing

PR and External Communications Lead

Tel: 01509 228697

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines. 

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2026 QS World University Rankings – the tenth year running. 

Loughborough has been ranked eighth in the Complete University Guide 2027 – out of 130 institutions. The achievement means Loughborough remains among a select group of universities that have maintained a top 10 position for more than 10 consecutive years, alongside Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics, St Andrews, Durham and Imperial.

Loughborough was also named University of the Year for Sport in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 - the fourth time it has been awarded the prestigious title. 

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded eight Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education. 

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.