EduAsiaNews, Seoul – Kookmin University ranked 14th nationally in the 2025 University Evaluation conducted by JoongAng Ilbo. In the newly introduced “Growth Evaluation” category—measuring growth based on changes in key indicators over the past decade—the university placed second nationwide and first among Seoul-based institutions. The achievement reflects an acceleration in educational and research performance that is now quantitatively measurable.
In the category of Education and Student Outcomes, Kookmin rose from 16th to 15th place. The most significant jump occurred in the indicator measuring the number of international publications per faculty member in the Education and Research category, which surged from 24th last year to 13th this year. This indicator is regarded as crucial in assessing a university’s global competitiveness.
Industry collaboration performance remains a key strength. Revenue from industry–academia collaboration per science and technology faculty member placed Kookmin second nationally for two consecutive years. The university has also designated eight strategic fields as growth engines: Design & Content, Mobility, Quantum, AI+X, Robotics, Advanced Materials & Semiconductors, Water, Energy & Environment, and Bio. In 2025, government-funded projects in AI and bio reached 134.4 billion won.
In terms of educational conditions, scholarship indicators showed improvement. The ratio of scholarships to tuition as well as scholarships per student increased from 13th to 11th place. The university’s scholarship system encompasses national, internal, and external schemes, implemented through what is described as a transparent approach, earning recognition from the Korea Student Aid Foundation and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
In the Education and Student Outcomes category, entrepreneurship indicators also improved. The dropout rate declined (from 14th to 12th place), and start-up funding support rose from 8th to 7th place. The university’s graduate social impact ranking climbed 10 places compared to last year, while its institutional reputation remained stable, including ranking 12th as a preferred university among companies for recruiting new graduates.
President Jeong Seung Ryul stated that, ahead of the university’s 80th anniversary next year, Kookmin is advancing its vision “KMU VISION 2035: EDGE” under the slogan “Make the Rule, Break the Rule.” He emphasized that this year’s evaluation results serve as a foundation for strengthening global competitiveness, enabling the university to compete not only domestically but also with overseas institutions in education, research, and international engagement. (**)
