UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is proud to announce the largest new undergraduate class in the institution’s history, with 800 new students enrolling this fall. This record-setting group, which includes both first-year students and transfers, surpasses the previous high of 779 students set in 2017.

“This is a historic moment for SUNY Poly, and we are thrilled to welcome such an outstanding group of new students to our community,” said Alicia Foster, Associate Provost for Enrollment Management. “We achieved this milestone thanks to the tireless efforts of our undergraduate admissions, marketing and financial aid teams, as well as the unwavering support of our entire campus community. Their dedication ensured we could connect with students and families in meaningful ways, helping them see the unique value of a SUNY Poly education.”

Provost Dr. Andrew Russell highlighted that this record enrollment reflects the growing recognition of SUNY Poly’s strengths.

“Students are choosing SUNY Poly because they see the unique value of our forward-looking STEAM education and the opportunities it creates,” said Dr. Russell. “As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, we provide an inclusive, hands-on learning environment where students work alongside world-class faculty on projects that matter. With nationally recognized and accredited academic programs and colleges, SUNY Poly is preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This historic class affirms the confidence students and families have in the transformational experience SUNY Poly delivers.”

Notable Rankings
SUNY Poly continues to earn recognition for its academic excellence and student outcomes in national rankings.
• U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2026 Best Colleges rankings, with SUNY Poly continuing to perform strongly across multiple categories. The institute is ranked among the Top 15 public institutions in the “Top Public Schools Regional Universities–North” category, and placed in the Top 40 overall in the Regional Universities–North category.
• Forbes named SUNY Poly to its 2026 America’s Top Colleges list, joining a select group of institutions recognized for delivering exceptional undergraduate education and outcomes. Forbes evaluates colleges nationwide based exclusively on alumni salary, student satisfaction, debt, graduation rates, and academic success—underscoring SUNY Poly’s commitment to affordability, quality, and student success.
• SUNY Poly has earned recognition as a College of Distinction, underscoring its standing among the Best Colleges in the United States, the Best Colleges in New York State, and the Best Public Universities.
•   FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, announced SUNY Poly as one of only 60 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2025–26. Membership recognizes the institute’s dedication to supporting first-generation students and advancing initiatives to ensure their long-term success.