Washington – September 17, 2026 -- U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026-2027 Best Children's Hospitals rankings, recognizing 90 pediatric hospitals across 34 states and Washington, D.C. The list marks the 20th edition of the annual study, which helps parents and physicians identify top-tier care for children with serious illnesses or rare conditions.
Eleven hospitals earned a spot on the Honor Roll for excelling across multiple specialties
The Honor Roll, listed alphabetically, includes Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Boston Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., Cincinnati Children's, Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Seattle Children's Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. These 11 institutions span eight states plus the District of Columbia.
Rankings now cover 11 pediatric specialties, including a third look at behavioral health
U.S. News and research firm RTI International analyzed clinical data from 114 children's hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists to compile the rankings. Hospitals were evaluated on clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and the quality of resources tied directly to patient care. This year's edition includes the third annual assessment of pediatric and adolescent behavioral health programs.
Regional leaders emerged in three-way and two-way ties
In the Mid-Atlantic, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Children's National Hospital and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh tied for first. In the Midwest, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Cincinnati Children's and Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus shared the top spot. In the Pacific region, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Seattle Children's Hospital tied for first.
Top specialty programs highlight cancer, cardiology and neurology care
In pediatric cancer care, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Cincinnati Children's, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis and Children's Hospital Los Angeles ranked among the top five. For cardiology and heart surgery, Texas Children's Hospital in Houston led, followed by Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora and Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center in Durham, N.C. Boston Children's Hospital topped the neurology and neurosurgery category, with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Texas Children's Hospital close behind.
"For two decades, U.S. News has helped guide families to top-tier pediatric care," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. "Finding the right medical team for a rare diagnosis or complex surgery can be overwhelming."
The full rankings will appear in U.S. News' "Best Hospitals 2027 Guidebook," and parents can search individual pediatricians using the outlet's Doctor Finder tool.