U.S. News, Colleges of Distinction highlight the university’s continued momentum

UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) has earned several national recognitions highlighting the university’s academic quality, affordability and commitment to student success.
In the newly released 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, SUNY Poly was ranked among the Top 20 Public Schools in the Regional Universities (North) category. The university was also ranked No. 6 for Best Value among in-state students at Regional Universities (North).

The rankings come as SUNY Poly has also been named a 2026-2027 College of Distinction, a national recognition of institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to the undergraduate experience.

In addition to the university-wide designation, SUNY Poly received Colleges of Distinction recognition in six categories:

•    Affordable College of Distinction
•    Engineering
•    Nursing
•    Business
•    Public
•    Transfer

“These recognitions reflect what we work every day to provide at SUNY Poly: an excellent, accessible education that prepares our students to succeed in their careers and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo. “Our students are our North Star, and we remain focused on creating opportunities for them to learn through hands-on experiences, engage with outstanding faculty and graduate prepared for an increasingly dynamic world.”

Colleges of Distinction evaluates institutions through its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. The organization conducts research and interviews with institutions to identify colleges and universities that provide students with meaningful undergraduate experiences inside and outside the classroom.
“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. SUNY Poly delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”

This recognition comes at a time when students and families are taking a closer look at the value of a college education. Increasingly, they are looking for an education that prepares them for careers, delivers a strong return on investment, and provides lasting value. A recent economic impact study conducted by Lightcast underscores that value: for every $1 students invest in a SUNY Poly education, they receive $6.20 in higher lifetime earnings. The study also found that a SUNY Poly education provides students with an average annual return on investment of 21.5%—nearly double the U.S. stock market’s 30-year average return of 10.9%.

SUNY Poly’s continued enrollment growth reflects its ability to meet that demand. In fall 2025, the university welcomed the largest new undergraduate class in its history, and this fall, its first-year class came within one student of the university’s all-time record.

Together, these milestones reflect continued momentum at SUNY Poly and growing interest in an education designed to connect students with opportunity after graduation. SUNY Poly serves approximately 3,000 students across its four colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering and Health Sciences.

“These recognitions speak to many of the qualities students and families are looking for as they consider where to pursue a college education,” said Alicia Foster, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management at SUNY Poly. “Students want a high-quality education that is affordable, provides individualized support and creates clear pathways toward their academic and career goals. We are proud that SUNY Poly continues to be recognized for delivering that combination of quality, value and opportunity.”

Source: SUNY Poly Economic Impact Study, Lightcast (FY 2024–25)