Adelphi University Ranked Among Top 100 Private Universities in U.S. News & World Report 2027 List
Garden City, NY (09/22/2026) — Adelphi University has once again been recognized among the nation's top higher education institutions in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings, jumping seven positions overall from 2026 to No. 191 and placing it among the top 20 universities in New York State. Adelphi is also debuting at No. 93 in the new Top 100 Private University category.
"Adelphi's strong national rankings reflect something much deeper than metrics; they reflect a culture of care we foster every day," said Adelphi President Michael Balboni. "Behind these numbers lies a close-knit community where faculty members mentor with heart, staff go above and beyond, and students support each other's growth. Our success is driven by the power of these personal connections and the deep sense of belonging that defines the Adelphi experience."
Adelphi's student outcomes measures, including a four percentage point uptick in its six-year graduation rate and an increase in first-year retention, helped support the University's ranking among its peers this year.
The University also earned distinguished spots in several other U.S. News key sub-categories this year including a six-spot jump on the Best Schools for Veterans national rankings, and making the list of Top Schools for Social Mobility. In the academic rankings, Adelphi's undergraduate nursing program climbed an impressive 14 spots this year to No. 172.
Adelphi Nursing Continues National Rise
Adelphi's College of Nursing and Public Health continues its upward momentum and is now ranked in the top 26% of universities by U.S. News & World Report. Among Long Island institutions, Adelphi ranks second behind Stony Brook (#75) and more than 20 spots ahead of Molloy (#195).
This rise reflects the University's growing reputation for premier healthcare education, and this year expanded Adelphi's nursing offerings to its new Manhattan Center to help address New York State's critical nursing shortage. Students at that location and at Adelphi's Garden City campus gain hands-on training in a state-of-the-art Clinical Education and Simulation Lab (CESiL), the only lab of its kind accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).
Earlier this year, the U.S. News Best Graduate Master's Nursing list placed Adelphi at No. 87, securing a spot in the top 13.5 percent of accredited graduate nursing programs nationwide. Adelphi's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was newly ranked on the outlet's DNP list, expanding the University's footprint in doctoral-level nursing excellence; the Master of Public Health was also ranked.
Adelphi's commitment to healthcare education is further reinforced by recent key appointments to its Board of Trustees, including Board Chairman Lenny Achan, MA, RN, ANP, CEO of LiveOnNY, and new member Michael Dowling, CEO emeritus of Northwell Health-both of whom bring immeasurable industry expertise to the institution.
"Our exceptional NCLEX results and 92% career outcomes rate demonstrate the power of an Adelphi nursing education," said Deborah Hunt, PhD, dean of Adelphi's College of Nursing and Public Health. "By pairing rigorous clinical simulation with individualized support, our graduates are sought-after clinicians and public health leaders who step directly into critical healthcare roles."
A Closer Look at the Rankings
Adelphi earned national recognition in several categories in the recent U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings:
- National Universities: This year, Adelphi's overall ranking is No. 191 (tied), an improvement of seven positions, which places the University in the top 20 in New York State and in the top 45% of universities in the United States.
- Top Private Schools: A new category this year, Adelphi ranks No. 93 (tied) nationally among private peers.
- Best College for Veterans: Adelphi ranks No. 167 in the country, up six spots from the previous year.
- Social Mobility: Adelphi is ranked No. 171 nationally for Social Mobility.
U.S. News & World Report's ranking of National Universities evaluates colleges and universities based on up to 17 rigorous academic quality benchmarks, including academic reputation, graduation rates, social mobility and program-specific peer assessments. Adelphi's impressive standing reflects its personalized approach to education, high-impact clinical partnerships and strong career preparation across all degree programs. Undergraduate program rankings are based on peer assessment surveys of deans and senior faculty at accredited U.S. institutions.
Read 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 University has once again been recognized among the nation’s top higher education institutions in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
Adelphi University / New York
Taylor Damian, 516-877-4040, tdamian@adelphi.eduShare this Story
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