U.S. News & World Report: Baruch is the #1 Public College and Most Innovative in New York

September 23, 2025

For the third consecutive year, Baruch College has been named the top public college in New York by U.S. News & World Report.

In its “2026 Best Colleges–North” rankings, Baruch placed #1 for the most innovative schools in New York and tied #1 as a top performer on social mobility among all public and private institutions in the region.

The College also broke into a new category, earning #3 among public institutions for “Best Undergraduate Teaching”—recognizing institutions with faculty who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality instruction to students.

A Leader in Higher Education

“Baruch College’s recognition as New York’s top public college for the third consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report affirms our leadership in higher education and our growing prominence on the national stage,” said Baruch President S. David Wu.

“Our distinction as New York’s most innovative school and a top national performer in economic mobility reflects Baruch’s unwavering commitment—to expand opportunity, champion bold ideas, deliver academic excellence, and empower graduates from all backgrounds to thrive in successful careers amid a dynamic, evolving world.”

This year’s edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges list evaluated more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the nation, and 161 institutions in the north region. Graduation rates, academic quality, and post-graduate earnings and debt were among the 17 factors determining the rankings.

Rankings At-a-Glance

In the “2026 Best Colleges–North” rankings, Baruch placed:

• #1 public college in New York State and #2 among public institutions
• #1 top performer on social mobility (tied)
• #1 most innovative schools in New York State and #2 among all public colleges and universities
• #3 in best undergraduate teaching among public institutions
• #10 best college among public and private institutions

Consistently at the Top

The U.S News’ ranking adds to Baruch’s growing roster of top placements and recognitions underscoring Baruch’s national reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and return on investment.

Within the last month alone, the College was named:

• Washington Monthly – #1 public college in nation for best value
• Forbes – 25 top colleges in nation with the highest payoff
• The Princeton Review – “Best Colleges” list—marking 18 years in the annual guidebook

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