The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth achieved a National Tier 1 designation in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released September 13, jumping from its previous designation as a regional university.

The university is ranked #220 among national universities, along with UMass Boston, University of Missouri St. Louis, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and others.

“This new ranking, and the strong assessments by our peers and guidance counselors, is evidence of UMass Dartmouth’s evolution into a national research university that remains committed to undergraduate teaching and service to the community,” interim UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Peyton R. Helm said.

The National Tier 1 ranking follows the university’s designation as a doctoral research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education earlier this year. UMass Dartmouth is the only Massachusetts doctoral research university located south of Boston.

UMass Boston also made a jump from Tier 2 to Tier 1 this year.

There are more than 3,000 degree-granting, four-year colleges and universities in the United States, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Roughly 1 in 10, or 310 institutions, made it to the National Universities listing this year. The UMass campuses are the only Massachusetts public institutions included on the list.

“Our goal has been to build a system of excellence for the citizens of the Commonwealth, and this new ranking demonstrates just how successful we have been,” UMass President Marty Meehan said. “This is an expression of national acclaim for a university that is focused on building a brighter future for the Commonwealth and its citizens,” Meehan added.

Meanwhile, the UMass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business undergraduate programs earned a #150 ranking among the U.S. News’ “Best Business Programs.” The Charlton College was tied with Clark University, Quinnipiac University, UMass Boston, University of Rhode Island, University of Vermont, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and others.

“The dedication of our faculty and staff to student success, combined with a constant desire to respond to the fast-changing business environment, has built a strong reputation for the Charlton College of Business,” said Dean Angappa Gunasekaran.

The Charlton College of Business opened a new 20,000 square-foot facility this fall, complete with technology-enriched classrooms and student meeting spaces. A celebration of the new facility is scheduled for October 20.