Forbes Magazine has ranked Binghamton University as New York’s top public university.

In Forbes’ recently released list of America’s Top Colleges, BU not only rose in the ranks for the country’s top universities from No. 68 to No. 63, but also ranked as the No. 1 public university in New York state. According to its website, Forbes bases its rankings on postgraduate outcomes rather than reputation.

“I am extremely proud to see Binghamton listed among the top universities in the nation,” said University President Anne D’Alleva. “The factors used in building these rankings reflect many of the University’s core values in emphasizing holistic student success and preparing students for rewarding and enriching careers.”

Since 2008, Forbes has ranked U.S. universities based on various factors, including student performance and outcomes, the value of tuition based on price and the overall success of graduates in the workforce. The ranking process, which begins with thousands of universities, is narrowed down to the best of the best based on government-collected data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

The Forbes ranking placed BU among the top universities in the United States, rating it No. 63 nationwide — a five-place increase from Forbes’ list last year. In addition, BU was ranked No. 31 in the Northeast and No. 49 for research.

In New York state specifically, BU was ranked No. 7 among both public and private universities. In addition, BU received the title of New York’s No. 1 public university.

“I think that it is increasing our overall reputation as a university,” said Amy Cantor, a first-year graduate student studying business administration. “It can help not only current students but also future alumni and current alumni get better jobs, and overall will just increase the student atmosphere.”

In Forbes’ breakdown of the ranking, individual programs and facilities within BU were specifically recognized as contributing to the University’s place in the top 100. Those mentioned include the First-Year Research Immersion Program, residential life and housing and NCAA Division I athletics. In addition, the article highlights BU’s wide variety of available undergraduate paths and access to professional fields, with an emphasis on the business, computer science, engineering, public affairs and nursing programs.

“Binghamton’s longstanding reputation for academic excellence is being bolstered by the continuous advancements made by our faculty and staff,” noted University Provost Donald Hall. “I’m encouraged by Forbes noting the NSF Regional Innovation Engine and new tracks in AI and cybersecurity as examples of the University’s commitment to research and scholarship. Our enduring efforts to expand what we do in all parts of the academic environment at Binghamton have helped us attract bright and talented students, faculty, and staff and improve in important national rankings.”

Binghamton has previously been nationally recognized by Forbes and other college ranking organizations. The University rose in the News and World Report’s top university ranking multiple times, most notably in 2018 (6), 2021 (7) and 2025 (8). During these years, BU continued to climb higher, including a 47-place jump on the outlet’s “Best Value” list in 2025. Another Forbes report in 2024 considered BU as one of the country’s “New Ivies” based on student success and rigorous course offerings.

BU has undergone major changes in recent years, with ongoing construction projects and D’Alleva’s five-year success plan. She said that the rankings are a reflection of Binghamton’s values.

“We know about Binghamton’s quality and excellence because we experience it and contribute to it each day and it is exciting to see our efforts validated nationally through these rankings,” D’Alleva said.