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Long Island colleges earn spots in U.S. News rankings
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Long Island colleges and universities were recognized in this year’s U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, released Tuesday.
The latest rankings include a new methodology, with an “Earnings by Major” metric replacing “Graduate Indebtedness.” The new metric looks at earnings four years after graduation for employed federal-aid recipients with a bachelor’s as their highest degree. It compares graduates in the same field across different colleges.
“With families increasingly scrutinizing the true cost and return on investment of a college degree, our goal is to provide clear, actionable data,” LaMont Jones, managing editor for Education at U.S. News, said in a news release about this year’s rankings.
The rankings, he said, provide “transparent metrics on outcomes, affordability and academic quality to help families make fully informed financial and educational investments.”
Stony Brook University ranked No. 59 among national universities and 24 in top public schools, and is the top-ranked public university in New York State.
“This is an extraordinary moment for Stony Brook University, the No. 1 public university in the state of New York,” Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith said in a written statement. “A record number of applications, the largest freshman class in our history, and our first-ever recognition among the nation’s top 25 public universities reflect the remarkable upward momentum of our institution.”
The recognition, she said, “strengthens our ability to attract talented students from New York, around the country, and around the world.”
Hempstead-based Hofstra University and Garden City-based Adelphi University tied at No. 191 across national universities and also tied at 93 among top private schools.
“These rankings evidence Hofstra’s commitment to providing an exceptional education that delivers lasting value, giving students the academic opportunities, experiences, and support to build successful careers and meaningful lives,” Hofstra President Susan Poser said in a written statement.
The rankings provide insight into an educational institution, experts say.
“Adelphi’s strong national rankings reflect something much deeper than metrics; they reflect a culture of care we foster every day,” Adelphi President Michael Balboni said in a written statement. “Behind these numbers lies a close-knit community where faculty members mentor with heart, staff go above and beyond, and students support each other’s growth. Our success is driven by the power of these personal connections and the deep sense of belonging that defines the Adelphi experience.”
New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury ranked No. 219 among national universities and 57 in the top performers on social mobility category.
Rockville Centre-based Molloy University tied for 39th among Northen regional universities, jumping 27 spots from last year, with improvements in graduate earnings by major, student retention rates and graduation rates. The university recently rated among Time magazine’s America’s Best Colleges.
“Our climb isn’t accidental,” Molloy University President James Lentini said in a written statement. “It is driven by actual, measurable institutional gains.”
The climb, he said, “aligns with U.S. News’ refined focus, which heavily prioritizes post-graduate outcomes and an institution’s effectiveness in preparing a diverse student base to thrive financially and professionally after graduation. At Molloy, this mission is at the core of all we do.”
Glen Cove-based Webb Institute tied with Manhattan-based Cooper Union for No. 3 in Northern regional colleges. Webb ranked No. 2 among top private schools.
Kings Point-based U.S. Merchant Marine Academy ranked No. 5 in regional colleges, and No. 2 among top public schools.
Farmingdale State College ranked No. 13 in regional colleges and No. 2 for best value for in-state students.
SUNY Old Westbury ranked No. 154 among national liberal arts colleges and No. 18 among top public schools.
“Behind every ranking is a story of student success, dedicated educators, and a community that works together to create opportunities,” SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy Sams said in a written statement. “Students and families who choose SUNY Old Westbury can be assured they are selecting a campus that prepares students to thrive both on campus and in life.”
Long Island University, with a Brookville campus, ranked No. 89 across regional universities, and 63 among top private schools.
St. Joseph’s University, with a Patchogue campus, ranked No. 56 among regional universities and 22 in best colleges for veterans.
The full list and detailed rankings are available here.
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An award-winning journalist and published author, Adina Genn has covered Long Island for more than 20 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Costco Connections, Newsday, AOL Patch and more. She is the coauthor of several books, including “Everything I Know About Business I Learned at McDonald’s” (McGraw Hill), and “So You Want to Franchise Your Business” (Entrepreneur Press). Adina is a recent Association of Health Care Journalists fellow. Her work has been recognized by the Press Club of Long Island, Fair Media Council, New York State Associated Press Association, and other organizations. Adina can be reached at (631)-913-4241 at [email protected] or at (631) 913-4241.
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