Adelphi Again Tops Long Island Private Universities in Latest Forbes Rankings
Garden City, NY (09/03/2025) — For the third consecutive year, Adelphi University has been recognized as the highest-ranked private university on Long Island in Forbes' 2026 America's Top Colleges list at No. 288. Adelphi's ranking places it ahead of Hofstra University (No. 311), Molloy College (No. 382), New York Institute of Technology (No. 351) and Long Island University (No. 423).
Forbes noted that its 2026 ranking "showcases 500 colleges that produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, with less student debt."
This outstanding honor underscores Adelphi's commitment to academic excellence and student success. Forbes' evaluates U.S. colleges each year based on factors such as alumni earnings, student debt, graduation rates, and return on investment.
Several data points demonstrate the successful outcomes of Adelphi alumni including:
- The average annual salary of Adelphi's 2023 baccalaureate graduates is $82,539, or 30% higher than the national average
- 93% of our 2023 baccalaureate graduates were employed or continuing their education one year after graduation.
- U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings places Adelphi in the top 25% of universities for social mobility.
"Adelphi's steady climb in the Forbes Top Colleges rankings is a powerful endorsement of our university's mission," said Christopher Storm, PhD, Adelphi's interim president. "This recognition reflects our deep commitment to providing a personalized education, exceptional career readiness, and meaningful community engagement. Our strategic initiatives are directly responsible for our growing reputation, paving the way for our continued success."
Earlier this summer, Adelphi was also named among America's Best Employers By State for 2025 by Forbes-the only private university on Long Island to receive this ranking. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the university has received this distinction.
Learn more about Adelphi's awards and rankings.
About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning
Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. U.S. News & World Report named Adelphi a 2025 Best College, Best Value College, and Top Performer in Social Mobility. In addition, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal/ America's Top Colleges all ranked Adelphi the top private university on Long Island.
Adelphi serves more than 7,600 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 121,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.
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For the third consecutive year, Adelphi University has been recognized as the highest-ranked private university on Long Island in Forbes' 2026 America's Top Colleges list at No. 288.