Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield landed the No. 6 spot in Illinois and the Chicago metro area in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings, released Tuesday, Aug. 4. It's the highest-ranked hospital in DuPage County.

The rankings, now in their 37th year, evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions, grading them on risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and patient experience, according to the Chicago Business Journal.

Central DuPage earned a national ranking in obstetrics and gynecology (tied No. 48), new regional specialty rankings in cardiology, heart and vascular surgery (No. 5) and orthopedics (No. 6), and "High Performing" designations in 16 eligible procedures and conditions, according to Northwestern Medicine. The hospital was also designated "High Performing" in diabetes and endocrinology.

Only 178 hospitals made the cut.

The next closest DuPage County hospital on the list is Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville at No. 9, according to the Daily Herald.

What changed in the methodology

This year's rankings put greater emphasis on risk-adjusted patient outcomes and reduced or eliminated the weight given to hospital size, staffing, technology and reputation. The shift was especially significant in cardiology and heart and vascular surgery, where patient outcomes now determine most of a hospital's score.

U.S. News also introduced regional specialty categories for the first time, covering cancer, cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation. The new categories help patients identify highly rated care closer to home.

System-wide results

Howard Chrisman, MD, president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, said in a statement that the results reflect the dedication of physicians, nurses and staff across the system and that the rankings underscore the organization's focus on improving patient outcomes.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago tied with Rush University Medical Center for No. 1 in Illinois for the 15th consecutive year. Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, located in Wheaton, ranked No. 2 in Illinois and No. 40 nationally in rehabilitation.