SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Kookmin University marked a decisive milestone this year, as President Jung Seung-ryul noted that the institution is now recognized for its sustained rise in academic competitiveness. In the 2025 Joongang Ilbo University Rankings released on Nov. 28, Kookmin placed 14th overall and recorded the highest 10-year growth rate among universities in Seoul, securing second place nationwide in the new long-term growth index. Jung said the results reflect a decade of steady work to strengthen both teaching and research.
The Joongang evaluation reviewed universities across four areas — faculty research, educational environment, student performance, and reputation. Kookmin has shown a consistent upward line since ranking 19th in 2017, climbing to 18th in 2018, 16th in 2019, and 13th last year. This year's outcome maintains the university's momentum while underscoring the effects of its internal reforms.
Faculty research showed some of the most visible progress. The number of international journal publications per professor rose sharply, moving from 24th to 13th, a jump evaluated as evidence of stronger global research capacity. Industry-academic cooperation revenue per science and engineering professor — one of the university's traditional strengths — held steady at second place nationwide. University officials said the results align with Kookmin's eight specialized growth areas: design and content, mobility, quantum, AI+X, robotics, advanced materials and semiconductors, water-energy-environment, and bio. Research funding secured this year alone in AI and bio-related government programs reached 134.4 billion won, reflecting an active push into future-oriented fields.
Kookmin also highlighted its new mid-to-long-term roadmap, "KMU VISION 2035: EDGE," unveiled in October. The plan focuses on strengthening the quality and global visibility of faculty research through targeted incentives and more systematic internal support. The university aims to recruit competitive scholars, raise the international presence of its research output, and secure a clearer institutional edge in an increasingly crowded higher-education landscape.
In the educational environment category, scholarship-related indicators continued to improve. Scholarship per student rose from 13th to 11th, supported by a range of programs spanning national scholarships, university-funded awards, and tailored support based on individual circumstances. The university was recognized as a model institution in scholarship management in audits by the Korea Student Aid Foundation and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.
Student performance and outcomes also showed measured gains. The university's dropout rate improved from 14th to 12th, while startup support funding moved up from 8th to 7th. Reputation scores echoed a similar movement. The social influence of graduates — a metric closely tied to hiring outcomes and public recognition — climbed by 10 places compared to last year. Corporate recruiters ranked Kookmin 12th among preferred universities for new hires, while surveys of high school students and parents placed the school 12th and 13th, respectively.
Reflecting on the results, Jung said the university will use its approaching 80th anniversary next year to advance a new institutional vision. "We have established the vision 'A university that sets the standard in higher education' and the slogan 'Make the Rule, Break the Rule'," he said. "As the meaning behind this vision suggests, we will not settle for this year's rankings but continue to improve conditions across education, research, and global engagement so that we can compete not only within Korea but with universities abroad."
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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