U.S. News & World Report once again named Hackensack University Medical Center as the number 1 hospital in New Jersey for 2026-27, marking the fourth consecutive year the state’s largest hospital — and Bergen County’s first — scored the highest.
Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health is a Best Regional Hospital and is ranked first in New Jersey and fourth in the New York Metro, the article said. The hospital is nationally ranked in seven adult specialties, five pediatric specialties, and also rated high performing in 22 adult procedures and conditions.
Hackensack University Medical Center continues to demonstrate excellence across multiple clinical disciplines. The medical center ranks among the top 10 percent of hospitals nationally in seven adult specialties:
- Cancer (#38, tie)
- Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (#45 nationally)
- Diabetes & Endocrinology (#43 nationally)
- Neurology & Neurosurgery (#34 nationally)
- Orthopedics (#14 nationally)
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#36 nationally)
- Urology (#32 nationally)
“We are privileged to serve the people of New Jersey, and this recognition is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses, clinicians, and every member of our multidisciplinary team. Their unwavering commitment to delivering patient-centered, high-quality, and safe care drives these outstanding results,” said Lisa Tank, M.D., president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center.
“Our continued investment in medical innovation, research, and advanced technology is matched only by the compassion our teams show every patient and family. Together, these commitments define who we are and motivate us to continue to provide outstanding care for the communities we serve in a highly reliable environment,” Dr. Tank added.
NJ’s Only Nationally Ranked Cancer Center
The hospital was ranked number one in New Jersey for cancer care. It is home to the John Theurer Cancer Center, the state’s only nationally ranked cancer program. It was sixth in the New York-New Jersey Metro Area, and 38th nationally.
“These rankings reflect our extraordinary team members across HMH who are delivering exceptional care every day,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“From being home to New Jersey’s top-ranked cancer program and #1 hospital, to earning national recognition across multiple specialties, these achievements demonstrate our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and putting patients first. We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s best, but even more proud of the lives our teams improve every day,” Garrett said.
Other HMH hospitals received special recognition: JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean University Medical Center and Riverview Medical Center also received recognition.
Some of the criteria analyzed and Hackensack’s scores:
💊Survival: Excellent
😷Number of patients: Very High
⚕️NCI-designated cancer center: Yes
The evaluation of Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health also includes data from The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, U.S. News said.
“Behind every ranking is a patient who trusted us with their care and a team committed to delivering excellence in care,” said Jose Azar, M.D., executive vice president and chief quality officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “This recognition reflects the culture of quality and safety that guides every decision we make. We are honored to be recognized in such a meaningful way. Our greatest measure of success will always be the outcomes we achieve for the patients and families we serve.”
Hackensack University Medical Center Rankings
“Being recognized as New Jersey’s best cancer center program reflects decades of commitment to advancing cancer care through innovation, research, and collaboration,” said Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., chairman and chief physician officer, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center.
“From pioneering therapies like CAR T-cell treatment and leading one of the nation’s largest bone marrow transplant programs to expanding access through groundbreaking clinical trials and partnerships with world-class institutions, our mission is to ensure every patient has access to the most advanced treatments available. This recognition reinforces our commitment to transforming the future of cancer care, and having some of the best survival rates in the nation,” Goy added.
Hackensack University Medical Center is located at 30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack. It is a 950-bed non-profit teaching and research hospital and is the flagship hospital of Hackensack Meridian Health.
- Hackensack University Medical Center has the best cancer program in New Jersey, and #6 in the New York-New Jersey Metro Area
- At #38 nationally, Hackensack University Medical Center is the #1 and the only nationally ranked cancer program in New Jersey
- Hackensack University Medical Center is the #1 hospital in New Jersey, #4 in the New York-New Jersey Metro Area, and is the only hospital in New Jersey ranked #1 for both adult and children’s care again
- Hackensack University Medical Center ranks among the top 10% of hospitals nationally for Cancer, Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, and Urology
- Hackensack Meridian Health has more nationally ranked specialties than any other health network in New Jersey
- Hackensack University Medical Center is recognized as ‘Nationally High Performing’ in 22 procedures and conditions, reflecting excellence in care across a broad spectrum of specialties
- Jersey Shore University Medical Center ranks among the Top 10 hospitals in New Jersey, and the best in Monmouth and Ocean counties
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute recognized among nation’s top Rehabilitation Hospitals, ranking number 39
U.S. News Data Scientists
“U.S. News data scientists analyze reams of objective data using a methodology refined through consultation with industry experts to provide best-in-class information for people making critical healthcare decisions,” U.S. News said.
Eligible hospitals are assessed on three key areas:
- Outcomes: how well patients survived or recovered.
- Process: how well the hospital follows the best standards of care.
- Structure: hospital resources and technologies.
The full methodology can be found here.
About the Annual U.S. News Report
The annual Best Hospitals rankings report by U.S. News & World Report was launched more than 35 years ago and aims to help patients consult with their doctors about the best hospital for their health needs, according to its website.
U.S. News evaluates nearly 4,500 hospitals each year — more than any other public hospital ranking. The eligibility process is demanding and includes many factors, such as:
🏥Complexity of care patients require
🚑Number of patients treated
🥼Level of care a hospital is able to provide
The data analysis includes more than 72 million Medicare beneficiaries (nearly 1 in 5 Americans) and 854 million medical claims over a 5-year period, across 14 specialties and 23 unique procedures or treatments for medical conditions, as well as maternity care.
