U.S. News Ranks UAlbany Among the Country’s Best Public Universities

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Photo by Savanna Stoddart, Savanna Stoddart Photography

By Amy Geduldig 

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2026) — The University at Albany earned national recognition for its educational value and success in advancing student social mobility in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released today.

UAlbany rose in the rankings, placing No. 58 among public universities nationally and No. 121 among national universities overall. The University also received top marks for value, ranking No. 38 for best in-state value and No. 61 for best value nationally.  

U. S. News also underscored UAlbany’s commitment to providing students with greater opportunities, placing the University No. 24 in the nation for the social mobility. The recognition builds on a year that welcomed more than 3,500 first-year students this fall — the largest incoming class in University history — while expanding academic programs, student support and experiential learning opportunities.  

"This year's record-setting first-year class is a clear sign that students and families recognize what these rankings confirm: UAlbany is a place where every student can find the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. We're proud to offer a world-class education that's both accessible and affordable, and I look forward to everything our Great Danes will accomplish — on our campus and long after they graduate," said Havidán Rodríguez, President of the University at Albany.

UAlbany was also recognized as one of New York State’s leading universities in the annual fall rankings by Money, The Princeton Review, TIME, Niche and ShanghaiRanking. Together, the rankings recognize UAlbany for its academic offerings, research, affordability and opportunities for students to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

Over the past year, UAlbany has continued to invest in programs and opportunities designed to support students from enrollment through graduation and prepare them for a changing workforce. Recent developments include:

  • Enhancing UAlbany’s work in artificial intelligence through AI Plus, the AI & Society College and new Empire AI SUNY partnerships, creating more opportunities for students and faculty to engage with AI across disciplines.
  • Expanding the University’s Advancing Completion through Engagement program (known as ACE), to serve 150 additional students with personalized advising, financial assistance, career development and other support aimed at helping students graduate and find success.
  • Launching Thrive UAlbany and opening the Thrive Hub in the Campus Center, providing students with a central connection point for resources related to well-being, financial literacy, career readiness and belonging.
  • Opening Saxbys in the Massry School of Business, a student-run cafe that offers hands-on leadership and business experience by managing day-to-day operations.

UAlbany’s ranking highlights are available here.