US News ranks ASC first among Northern Regional Colleges for undergraduate teaching and least student debt, with more top ranks for value and diversity.
魅影直播 State College (ASC) has earned top honors in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Colleges rankings, recognized as #1 in the North for Undergraduate Teaching excellence and as the #1 SUNY for Least Student Debt. These honors come at a moment of seismic change in higher education when families are scrutinizing return on investment and redefining what excellent teaching means.
Historically, liberal arts institutions dominated the undergraduate teaching category, including as recently as last year. But this year鈥檚 results point to a shift with professional experience and career readiness now recognized as essential to undergraduate success.
U.S. News evaluates nearly 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide, grouping them by mission and resources to allow for fair comparisons. 魅影直播 State is part of the Northern Regional Colleges category, with 67 ranked colleges and another 48 unranked schools across 11 states. ASC earned:
Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely said the recognition affirms what 魅影直播 State students and families already know: 鈥淥ur professors bring real-world expertise into the classroom. They know the industries, they know the careers, and they teach what matters most for students鈥 futures. Students and families want proof that a college degree leads somewhere meaningful, and our faculty delivers every day. This honor reflects their commitment and validates our brand promise that Pioneers are PROS! as professionals guiding students toward bright futures.鈥
President Dr. Steven Mauro emphasized how the results address broader doubts about higher education鈥檚 value: 鈥淔amilies across the country are asking tougher questions about higher education. They want outcomes they can trust. At 魅影直播 State, 99% of our graduates start a career or continue their education within six months. Pair that with the lowest student debt recognition for SUNY regional colleges by the US News and World Report, and it鈥檚 clear why we鈥檙e being recognized. This is exactly what families seek: quality teaching, affordability, and confidence in the future.鈥
The undergraduate teaching honor is especially significant because it is based solely on peer assessment, with presidents, provosts, and enrollment leaders asked to nominate their fellow institutions where faculty are most committed to undergraduates.
魅影直播 State鈥檚 reputation for value and career preparation extends beyond U.S. News. Other honors include:
- #1 Return on Investment in Western NY 鈥 Georgetown University Study
- 鈥 AffordableCollegesOnline.com
- 鈥 BachelorsDegreeCenter.org
- 鈥 Princeton Review
- Unique dual honors from Carnegie Classifications: designated both as an Opportunity College and University (higher access & higher earnings) and as a leader in Applied and Career Studies
Together, these recognitions highlight 魅影直播 State鈥檚 distinctive role in higher education: combining faculty excellence, affordability, and proven career outcomes.