Adelphi University is the Top Private University on Long Island in Forbes' 2027 America's Top Colleges Ranking
Garden City, NY (09/15/2026) — Adelphi University has once again secured its position as the top private university on Long Island, according to Forbes' newly released 2027 "America's Top Colleges: 500 Colleges That Deliver Results." This annual ranking of 500 institutions across the United States focus on colleges that deliver strong academic and career outcomes-driven by dedicated faculty, robust career services, and hands-on learning-for students from all economic backgrounds
At #260 nationally, Adelphi outranked other regional institutions included in this year's list: Hofstra University, New York Institute of Technology, SUNY Farmingdale and SUNY Old Westbury.
"Forbes' recognition of Adelphi as a top American college reflects what students and graduates have come to expect: a student-focused and individualized education that enriches lives," said Adelphi President Michael Balboni.
Highlights from Adelphi's placement include:
Superior Earning Potential: The average starting salary for Adelphi's undergraduates, at $82,002, is 37% above the national average, according to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Transformative Career Preparation: Adelphi pairs its rigorous academics with hands-on experiential learning, internships and a deeply connected alumni network. This holistic approach to career readiness ensures students transition seamlessly from the classroom to high-impact careers.
Focus on Student Success: Adelphi's focus on providing students with academic resources, faculty mentorship and a wide range of educational opportunities have helped boost Adelphi's graduation rate to 72%, well above the 59% national average for four-year colleges.
This Forbes ranking contributes to a growing wave of national recognition for the University. Adelphi recently landed on Forbes' list of America's Best Employers By State for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing an environment where both students and professionals thrive.
Rigorous Evaluation and Methodology
To compile the 2027 rankings, Forbes evaluated a total pool of approximately 2,600 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Using data from the federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the list was narrowed to approximately 1,600 public and non-profit institutions.
Selected institutions were evaluated using comprehensive data from IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, and post-graduation salary statistics provided by People Data Labs. Additional metrics were sourced from Third Way, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, and original Forbes research assessing leadership, major awards, academic achievement and post-graduate outcomes.
Learn more about Adelphi's rankings, awards and accolades.
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 2026 Best National University, Best College for Veterans, and Top Performer in Social Mobility. In addition, Forbes has ranked Adelphi the top private university on Long Island for three past three years.
Adelphi serves more than 7,300 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 125,000 alumni 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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Adelphi secured its position as the top private university on Long Island in Forbes' 2027 America's Top Colleges: 500 Colleges That Deliver Results list.
Adelphi University / New York
Taylor Damian, 516-877-4040, tdamian@adelphi.eduShare this Story
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