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The State University of New York - (SUNY)

The State University of New York - (SUNY) Rankings 2025

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The State University of New York (SUNY) system is a beacon of educational excellence, offering diverse opportunities to students from around the world. As one of the largest university systems in the United States, SUNY is a hub of innovation, community engagement, and academic achievement.

This guide highlights SUNY's prestigious campuses, showcasing their standings in renowned global rankings, including the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and U.S. News and World Report. Each institution within the SUNY system is celebrated for its unique strengths, from groundbreaking research to exceptional student support.

Explore this roadmap to find the perfect SUNY campus that aligns with your academic aspirations and career goals, paving the way for a future filled with success and opportunity.

SUNY World Rankings 2024-25

Rankings provide valuable insights into a university's academic strengths, research capabilities, and overall reputation. They help students align their educational and career goals by choosing institutions that best match their aspirations. 

Below is a table of SUNY Universities with Global and National Rankings for the year 2024-25: 

College NameRanking BodiesRankings (2024-25)
Cornell University

QS World University Rankings, 

THE, 

U.S. News & World Report Global Ranking

QS: #16 (2025), 

THE: #20 (2025), 

U.S. News: #19 (2025)

Stony Brook UniversityU.S. News & World Report (National Ranking)#58 
University at BuffaloU.S. News & World Report (National Ranking)#76
Binghamton UniversityU.S. News & World Report (National Ranking)#73
University at Albany U.S. News & World Report (National Ranking)#121 

U.S. News & World Report Rankings: Top Public Schools in the World 2024-25

College Rankings (2024-25)
SUNY Oneonta#8
SUNY Delhi#10
SUNY Polytechnic Institute#13
SUNY Oswego#14
SUNY Brockport#21
Stony Brook University #26 
Binghamton University#34
University at Buffalo#36
University at Albany #61

Subject-Wise Ranking of SUNY Universities

SUNY universities are recognized globally for excellence across diverse academic disciplines. 

  • The QS Rankings: Highlight strengths in fields like management, engineering, and life sciences, with Cornell University leading in multiple categories. 
  • THE Rankings: Emphasize business, clinical health, and interdisciplinary programs, showcasing the practical and research-oriented approach of SUNY institutions. 
  • U.S. News Rankings: Validate SUNY's impact in physics, medicine, and economics, underscoring its global reputation and academic rigor. 

These rankings offer a comprehensive perspective on SUNY's subject-specific leadership, helping students align their goals with top-performing programs.

QS Subject Rankings 2024

SubjectCollege NameRanking for the Year 2024
ManagementCornell University#14
EngineeringCornell University#30
Physics and Astronomy Stony Brook University#99
MediaStony Brook University#2
Computer ScienceCornell University#17
Life Sciences and MedicineCornell University#15
PsychologyCornell University#80

THE Subject Rankings 2024

SubjectCollege NameRanking for the Year 2024
Business and EconomicsCornell University#20
Public AffairsUniversity at Albany#26

U.S. News Subject Rankings 2024

SubjectCollege NameRanking for the Year 2024
PhysicsCornell University#7
Economics and BusinessCornell University#25
Clinical MedicineCornell University#28
BiologyCornell University#11
ChemistryCornell University#11
Computer ScienceCornell University#6
MathematicsCornell University#14
NursingStony Brook University#74
EconomicsStony Brook University#93
NursingUniversity at Buffalo#96

SUNY Campuses: Excellence and Achievements

SUNY campuses are celebrated for their outstanding academic excellence, vibrant community support, and cultural innovation. They offer a holistic college experience that extends beyond traditional rankings. 

Below is a breakdown of their achievements: 

  • Academic Excellence
  • Community Recognition and
  • Cultural Distinctions

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

Category

Recognition

Featured Institution

America’s Top Colleges (Forbes 2024-25)Recognized for educational and career outcomes.

-Albany, Binghamton

-University at Buffalo

-ESF

-Stony Brook

-SUNY Poly

Best Value Colleges (Public, 2025)Binghamton ranked  (#15), Stony Brook (#25) for affordability and high ROI.

-Binghamton

-Stony Brook

Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs (2025)Ranked (#1) for innovative and accessible online education.University at Buffalo

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

CategoryRecognitionFeatured Institution
Military Friendly Schools (2024-25)Top-ranked for military student support and resources.SUNY Delhi, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Canton
Top Pet-Friendly Colleges (2024)Ranked (#10)for pet-friendly housing and facilities.SUNY Canton
Best College Towns in the U.S. (2024)Syracuse is recognized for its vibrant student life and culture.SUNY ESF

Cultural and Creative Excellence

CategoryRecognitionFeatured Institution
Best Fashion Schools (Vogue 2024)Ranked (#1) for innovative design and marketing programs.Fashion Institute of Technology
Best College Theater (2022)Recognized for excellence in performing arts.Purchase College
Top 20 Career Placement (Public, 2025)Ranked (#20) for strong career placement and employer connections.Binghamton University

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Miscellaneous rankings focus on non-academic aspects of colleges and universities that contribute significantly to the overall student experience and institutional reputation. 

These rankings evaluate factors beyond traditional academic metrics, highlighting areas such as sustainability, diversity, community engagement, and campus culture.

Below is a table showcasing the achievements of SUNY colleges in the miscellaneous rankings:

College NameKey AchievementsRank/Recognition
Stony Brook University

- Best Public University in New York

- National Universities in Social Mobility

- Best Value College (Public)

- #1 in New York

- #15 in National Universities for Social Mobility

- #25 Best Value (Public)

University at Albany

- Social Mobility Excellence

- Ethnically Diverse Campus

- #26 in National Universities for Social Mobility

- Recognized for Diversity

Binghamton University- Best Value College (Public)- #15 Best Value (Public)
SUNY Canton- Pet-Friendly Campus- #10 in Top Pet-Friendly Colleges
SUNY Brockport- Best Colleges for Community Engagement- Recognized
SUNY Oswego- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Campus (Top Green Colleges)- Recognized

Unique USP’s of SUNY Colleges

SUNY colleges stand out for their diverse offerings, academic excellence, and commitment to innovation. From modern research programs to vibrant campus communities, each college brings its unique strengths. 

Whether it's Cornell University's Ivy League distinction, Stony Brook's STEM expertise, or SUNY Oneonta's collaboration with FIT, these institutions provide exceptional opportunities tailored to varied student aspirations. 

Following is the comprehensive breakdown that provides insights into the distinctive strengths of each SUNY college, helping students identify the institution that aligns best with their goals and aspirations.

Cornell University

USPDescription
Ivy League PrestigeThe only Ivy League school in the SUNY system, blending private and public funding.
Interdisciplinary ProgramsOffers cutting-edge programs in engineering, business, and agriculture.
Global RecognitionConsistently ranked among the top 20 universities worldwide.

Stony Brook University

USPDescription
Research ExcellenceCollaborates with Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
STEM LeadershipRenowned for healthcare, engineering, and environmental sciences.
AffordabilityRecognized for affordability and return on investment as a top public university.

University at Buffalo

USPDescription
Comprehensive ProgramsOffers diverse programs in medicine, law, and engineering.
Online Education LeaderRanked #1 for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs by U.S. News.
Cultural DiversityRecognized for an inclusive and diverse campus environment.

University at Albany

USPDescription
Public Affairs ExpertiseOffers leading programs in public health, criminal justice, and sociology.
Ethnic DiversityCelebrated for its inclusive and diverse student community.
Research CollaborationCollaborates with state and federal agencies for impactful research.

Binghamton University

USPDescription
Public IvyProvides Ivy League-quality education at public university costs.
Career PlacementRanked #20 for Best Career Placement among public universities.
Value for MoneyRanked #15 for Best Value Colleges (Public) by Princeton Review.

SUNY Delhi

USPDescription
Career-Focused ProgramsRenowned for nursing, veterinary sciences, and culinary arts programs.
Practical LearningEmphasizes hands-on training and internships in all major programs.
Regional RecognitionConsistently ranked among top regional colleges in the North.

SUNY Oneonta

USPDescription
Fashion CollaborationOffers a unique pathway to a bachelor’s degree through its partnership with FIT New York.
Liberal Arts FoundationProvides strong programs in sciences, education, and business.
Alumni NetworkRecognized for active alumni engagement and career support.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

USPDescription
Technological LeadershipRenowned for its nanotechnology, engineering, and computer science programs.
Industry CollaborationStrong ties with industry leaders for internships and job placements.
Innovative ResearchHome to cutting-edge research facilities in technology and science.

SUNY Brockport

USPDescription
Education ExcellenceRenowned for strong teacher education and health sciences programs.
Vibrant Campus LifeOffers a wide array of extracurricular and athletic opportunities.
Community EngagementActively involved in local and regional community initiatives.

SUNY Oswego

USPDescription
Scenic CampusLocated on Lake Ontario, providing a picturesque learning environment.
Specialized ProgramsOffers renowned programs in broadcasting, business, and meteorology.
Sustainability InitiativesRecognized for commitment to green campus and sustainability efforts.

If you’re inspired by the unique strengths of SUNY colleges and want to take the next step, our SUNY Admission Page provides detailed guidance on applications, eligibility, and what makes each institution a great choice. 

Ranking Bodies Methodologies

University rankings are determined using a range of focus areas and indicators, each designed to highlight different facets of institutional excellence. These metrics shed light on academic quality, research influence, global engagement, and the diversity of educational experiences. 

Rankings not only reflect an institution's strengths but also provide valuable insights for students, researchers, and professionals evaluating the best universities worldwide.

Following is an overview of how major-ranking organizations assess universities:

QS World University Rankings

The QS methodology evaluates universities using six indicators across four areas: academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, and internationalization.

MetricOverall Score (%)
Academic Reputation40%
Employer Reputation10%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio20%
Research Citations per Faculty20%
Proportion of International Faculty5%
Proportion of International Students5%

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

THE assesses universities across five main areas, combining metrics for teaching, research, international outlook, and industry engagement.

MetricOverall Score (%)
Teaching30%
Research30%
Research Citations30%
International Outlook7.5%
Industry Income2.5%

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

The U.S. News methodology focuses on research performance and reputation using 13 indicators to evaluate global universities.

Metric Overall Score(%)
Global Research Reputation12.5%
Regional Research Reputation12.5%
Publications10%
Books and Conference Papers2.5%
Normalized Citation Impact10%
Total Citations10%
Highly Cited Papers (Number and Percentage)5%
International Collaboration (Relative to Country)5%
International Collaboration (Overall)5%
Number of International Publications2.5%
Percentage of International Publications2.5%

Why Should You Choose SUNY?

SUNY, in partnership with upGrad, provides a practical and efficient pathway for students aiming to attend premier U.S. colleges. This program allows students to begin their academic journey in India, combining high-quality education with significant financial savings.

By leveraging this unique opportunity, students can seamlessly transition to renowned institutions like Cornell, gaining access to top-tier education while building a strong foundation for their future. 

Below are the key benefits of choosing this pathway:

Academic Pathway to Premium Colleges

The State University of New York Bachelor's Year 1 Program allows students to transfer to top-tier colleges in their second year by maintaining a strong GPA during the first year. 

Admission requirements are simplified, requiring only a Duolingo score of 120, making the process more accessible and convenient for international students. 

Interested in learning how the SUNY Bachelor’s Year 1 Program can work for you? Book a 1:1 session now!

Significant Cost Savings

Students can save up to INR 50 lakh (approx.) on tuition fees by completing their first year in India. Additionally, savings on living expenses and other costs further reduce the financial burden, ensuring a smooth academic transition to the United States.

Earn Credits from India

With the opportunity to complete 30 out of 120 credits in India, students align themselves with SUNY’s academic standards without facing the intense challenges of direct admission. 

This practical alternative bypasses hurdles like low acceptance rates, high academic standards, and demanding application processes, offering a smoother pathway to prestigious universities like Cornell.

Convenience and Flexibility

Students begin their international education journey while staying close to home during the first year. This approach builds a strong foundation, enabling a seamless and confident transition to a SUNY campus in the U.S.

Additionally, SUNY, in partnership with upGrad, bridges the gap between quality education and affordability, empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals with ease.

Personalized Academic Counseling

upGrad provides end-to-end guidance with academic planning, transfer requirements, and visa assistance. Counselors create a clear roadmap tailored to each student’s aspirations, ensuring a successful transition to SUNY.

Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about applying to SUNY University? Let our expert counselors guide you every step of the way. Schedule your free counseling session now and get personalized assistance!

Curious to learn more about SUNY? Read all the details and discover everything you need to know on our dedicated SUNY overview page!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which SUNY campuses have appeared consistently in the QS rankings over four years?

University at Buffalo, Stony Brook University, and University at Albany have maintained consistent rankings, while SUNY Delhi remained unranked, reflecting these institutions’ differing global visibility.

2. What is the significance of Cornell’s rank in the QS, THE, and U.S. News rankings?

Cornell’s rankings across QS World University Rankings 2025 is #16, Times Higher Education, World University Ranking 2025 is #20, and U.S. News and World Report Best Global University Ranking 2024-25 is #19 showcases its academic excellence, research impact, and global reputation, making it a prestigious choice for students worldwide.

3. Which SUNY campus ranks highest in the U.S. News and World Report rankings?

Ans. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 College Rankings, Stony Brook University is the highest-ranked campus within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, achieving a position of #58 among national universities.

4. What trend is seen in the University at Buffalo's QS rankings from 2022 to 2025?

The University at Buffalo's QS World University Rankings have shown the following trend from 2022 to 2025:

  • 2022: Ranked #388
  • 2023: Ranked #425
  • 2024: Ranked #491
  • 2025: Ranked #466

5. What factors do U.S. News and World Report emphasize in its rankings?

U.S. News and World Report focuses on global and regional research reputation, publications, conferences, and international collaboration, ideal for institutions aiming to attract international students and researchers.

6. How does Binghamton University rank in the Times Higher Education Rankings?

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Binghamton University is placed within the 601–800 bracket globally.

7. How does Times Higher Education (THE) rank universities?

THE rankings focus on teaching quality, research impact, citations, international outlook, and industry income. This comprehensive method evaluates a university's learning environment and contribution to global research and industry.

8. What are the recent rankings of the University at Albany SUNY in the QS World University Rankings?

The University at Albany SUNY is ranked within the #851-900 bracket globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This ranking reflects its performance across key metrics such as academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio.

9. How did Binghamton University SUNY rank in the QS World University Rankings over the last four years?

Binghamton University SUNY's QS World University Rankings have remained between #1001-1200 for three consecutive years (2022-2024), while it was ranked #801-1000 in 2022. This suggests a need for improvement in its global visibility and academic impact.

10. What criteria do QS World University Rankings use to assess universities?

QS World University Rankings evaluates universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio. This approach highlights both academic prestige and international appeal.

11. Why are ranking methodologies important for prospective students?

Ranking methodologies provide prospective students with insights into a university's strengths, such as academic quality, research opportunities, and global reputation. Understanding these metrics helps students make informed decisions about which institution aligns best with their educational goals.

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