SUNY Old Westbury has once again earned a spot on Money’s "Best Colleges in America" list, marking in 2026 the seventh time the University has been recognized.
The University received four stars on Money’s five-star scale, placing it among the top colleges in the nation for offering an outstanding value and strong return on investment for graduates. In all, only 735 out of a possible 2,400 met Money's basic requirements to be included in the rankings.
“SUNY Old Westbury’s inclusion in Money’s 2026 list of Best Colleges in America is proof of the commitment we exhibit every day to academic excellence, student success and social mobility,” said President Timothy E. Sams. “This recognition highlights our dedication to providing an education that is both outstanding and accessible.”
Families who invest in a SUNY Old Westbury education are investing in opportunity, and these rankings underscore the return on that commitment.”
-- Timothy E. Sams, President
Money’s rankings are built around 25 data points, with the quality of education offered by the institution making up 30 percent of the final score. The largest contributing factor in the category is the school’s graduation rate, which demonstrates the support students receive to complete their degrees. Money then looks at the earnings of graduates and their economic mobility to assess the value of that degree.
The final piece of the rankings puzzle focuses on affordability, with data points measuring the net price of a degree and student debt after graduation.
“Families who invest in a SUNY Old Westbury education are investing in opportunity, and these rankings underscore the return on that commitment,” Sams said. “Our graduates emerge with the skills, connections, and confidence to excel in their lives and careers while making a positive difference wherever they go.”
Money today is a leading digital news provider on issues related to finance that grew from its start more than 50 years ago with its iconic print magazine.
For information about this year’s ranking, read more about Money's ranking methodology.