Adelphi University has once again earned national recognition in the latest Wall Street Journal rankings of America's top colleges.
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, which evaluated 584 universities across the country in partnership with College Pulse and Statista, focus on how well colleges prepare their graduates for financial success, emphasizing the boost institutions provide to alumni earnings.
In addition to measuring salary outcomes, the rankings consider factors such as graduation rates, diversity and student experience. They draw heavily on feedback from one of the largest independent surveys of college students and alumni, assessing teaching quality, career preparation, learning facilities and how likely students are to recommend their school.
Adelphi achieved notable recognition across several categories:
- No. 82 in Social Mobility—highlighting Adelphi’s success in enrolling and graduating students from lower-income families while supporting strong outcomes after graduation
- No. 122 in Best Salaries—reflecting Adelphi’s impact on graduates’ long-term earnings and value
- No. 169 in Student Experience—demonstrating students’ positive perceptions of their education and campus life
“These results reflect Adelphi’s mission and impact,” said Interim Provost Susan Dinan, PhD. “We are especially proud to be recognized for social mobility and for the lifetime return on investment we provide to our students. These rankings affirm that Adelphi is not only a welcoming and supportive environment, but also a place where students graduate prepared for meaningful careers and lives.”
At Adelphi, generous scholarships and financial aid ensure access and affordability, with outcomes that include an above-average return on investment. Graduates’ median average income 10 years after college is $75,482, 29 percent above the national average of $53,727 for other four-year colleges.