Baruch Earns Top Rankings in Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges List

#1 in U.S. for value and best public institution in the Northeast

September 29, 2025

Baruch College has once again earned top recognition, ranking #1 nationwide for value and as the best public institution in the Northeast, according to the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” list.

This marks the third consecutive year Baruch has been named as the best value in the country, and the second year it earned the top spot among public colleges in the region.

Unmatched Value for Students

Among 584 colleges evaluated, a key measure was “years to pay off net price,” which calculates how quickly a degree pays for itself through the salary boost it provides. For Baruch graduates, that number is just two months—the fastest in the nation.

In its overall ranking among public and private institutions, Baruch jumped 17 positions year-over-year to #44. The College also placed #17 among 296 public institutions across the U.S.

National Model for Access and Excellence

This latest ranking follows notable recognitions within the last month by U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, Forbes, and The Princeton Review affirming Baruch’s role as a national leader in accessibility, academic excellence, and return on investment.

Baruch’s location in the heart of Manhattan and proximity to Wall Street, global headquarters in Midtown, and leading arts and media institutions, provides students with unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and real-world experience.

Careers Start Here

Baruch College’s commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, supported by its award-winning Starr Career Development Center, which prepares students to launch their careers.

As part of these comprehensive efforts, Baruch partners with the New York Jobs CEO Council helping CUNY students secure in-demand jobs and internships to address the city’s workforce needs. The College has collaborated in the CEO Speaker Series with recent campus events featuring Tim Cawley, chairman, president and CEO of Con Edison, and a fireside chat between President S. David Wu and Bob Moritz, global chair at PwC.

Wall Street Journal Rankings-at-a-Glance:

• #1 value in U.S.
• #1 northeast region
• #2 best salaries among public institutions in New York
• #7 social mobility
• #17 among 296 U.S. public colleges
  • up six positions year-over-year
• #44 among 584 public and private institutions nationwide
  • up 17 positions year-over-year
• #41 student experience nationally

Visit and Follow Baruch

Discover what sets Baruch College apart through a campus tour or an information session. Visit the undergraduate admissions office for more information.

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