The 2027 results are in. Adelphi University is widely recognized not only as the top private university on Long Island but also as one of the country’s top 100 private colleges.
Adelphi has once again received high marks from major national and international college ranking services.
The highlights:
- U.S. News & World Report includes Adelphi at No. 93 on its first-ever list of Top Private National Universities. The University rose seven rankings points overall in National Universities.
- Adelphi rose 14 spots on the U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs list.
- Forbes ranked Adelphi as Long Island’s premier private university for the fourth consecutive year.
- Adelphi was recognized once again on the international stage with inclusion in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
U.S. News & World Report 2027 Rankings
For the ninth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report recognized Adelphi as one of the nation’s Best Colleges and as one of New York state’s top 20 higher education institutions.
U.S. News also cited Adelphi as a Best College for Veterans and a Top Performer on Social Mobility, a ranking that is particularly meaningful, as first-generation college students make up nearly half of the University’s student body.
While increases in six-year graduation rates and first-year retention rates played a role in Adelphi’s high rankings, President Michael Balboni ’81, JD, notes that the University’s standing goes beyond the numbers.
“Adelphi’s strong national rankings reflect something much deeper than metrics; they reflect a culture of care we foster every day,” President Balboni said. “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.”
Recognized Leadership in Healthcare Fields
U.S. News also highlighted the excellence of undergraduate and graduate programs offered by Adelphi’s College of Nursing and Public Health, giving top rankings to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master’s in Nursing programs as Bests. The College’s programs in those areas ranked higher than those of all other private universities on Long Island.
The College, whose Master of Public Health and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are also U.S. News bests, is addressing New York’s critical healthcare staffing needs by offering its Accelerated BS in Nursing program this year at Adelphi’s new Manhattan Center. Those efforts are being bolstered by the appointment of Leonard C. Achan ’99 as chair of the University’s board of trustees and the election to the board of Michael Dowling, CEO emeritus of Northwell Health.
A “University in Motion”
The combined 2026–2027 national and global rankings—which also include U.S. News Best Graduate Programs in business, clinical psychology, social work and speech-language pathology—underscore Adelphi’s commitment to high-impact clinical training, research and career readiness. They reflect the current strength of the University and its future potential.
“Our continued ascent in these prestigious national and international rankings reflects a university in motion,” President Balboni said. “We are attracting significant grant funding, securing new partnerships and adding to the value of an Adelphi degree.