Experts Name 11 SUNY Campuses "Stellar and Affordable"

Albany – State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today announced that 11 SUNY campuses have been recognized as “Top 100 Best Values in Public Colleges” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, earning New York more spots in the top 100 than any other state or state university system. Tuition at SUNY is just $4,970 for New York residents.

Kiplinger’s says these rankings demonstrate schools “that deliver a stellar education at an affordable price.” They also specifically highlight Binghamton University, calling it the “top spot in value for out-of-state students” – offering a high quality education yet costing less than the national average for both public and private institutions.

“What this ranking says is that SUNY is a bargain. New Yorkers have an outstanding resource right in their backyard and national publications are recognizing that quality and unsurpassed value,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “I congratulate the campus presidents, faculty, staff, and students who are responsible for SUNY's consistent placement among these prominent rankings. Today, Kiplinger’s provided further proof that SUNY schools truly deliver a stellar education at an affordable price.”

According to the rankings, Binghamton University ranked 6th, Geneseo 7th, Stony Brook University 25th, New Paltz 36th, University at Buffalo 46th, Oneonta 47th, Brockport 63rd, Plattsburgh 64th, Fredonia 65th, Cortland 70th, and University at Albany 73rd for in-state value.

New Paltz, which ranked 78th two years ago, has climbed 42 spots since 2009.

In August 2010, U.S. News & World Report named two SUNY schools – Binghamton University and the University at Buffalo – as the only two in New York State, public or private, to make the publication's list of schools where students graduate with the least amount of debt.

Peter Magrath, interim president at Binghamton University, said: “I am very pleased that Binghamton University has once again been recognized for its academic excellence and value. We consistently rank among the elite public institutions because of our excellent reputation and the quality of our students, faculty and staff. Binghamton works very hard to be an exceptional university and these rankings validate those efforts.”

Christopher C. Dahl, president at SUNY Geneseo, said: “Consistency is important in the growing number of college rankings, and Geneseo’s repeated strong showing in the Kiplinger survey and elsewhere illustrates that we are rightly focused on providing the highest quality undergraduate learning experience. Great teaching attracts great students and this survey underscores the outstanding work of our faculty.”

Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D., president at Stony Brook University, said: “It is always gratifying when Stony Brook is recognized as a top value and for its academic excellence by an independent organization – especially when our budgets are being cut and we have to do more with less. The Kiplinger’s ranking speaks to the effort put forth by our faculty and staff to achieve excellence, and ultimately is a testament to our outstanding students.”

Donald Christian, interim president at SUNY New Paltz, said: "The number of SUNY campuses on the list is really quite remarkable and stands out from other states. This reflects the high caliber and low cost of higher education opportunities available to New York residents."

John B. Simpson, president at the University at Buffalo, said: “We’re always pleased to be recognized for providing a quality education at an affordable price. As we continue to build UB into a great research university, we have remained aware that research and education go hand-in-hand at the nation’s best institutions of higher education. As a public university of the State of New York, affordability is one of our core values.”

Nancy Kleniewski, president at SUNY Oneonta, said: “Being named one the Best Values in Public Colleges by Kiplinger’s for a fifth successive year reflects SUNY Oneonta’s dedication to teaching and learning and our thoughtful stewardship of resources. It’s gratifying to be recognized for the quality of our academic program and for our investment in students, which has long been a SUNY hallmark.”

John R. Halstead, president at SUNY Brockport, said: "We're proud that The College at Brockport was once again acknowledged by Kiplinger’s. Receiving this national recognition highlights the outstanding value and quality of our students' educational experience."

John Ettling, president at SUNY Plattsburgh, said: "We are pleased once again to have our efforts noticed by a national publication. This acknowledgment is one of many measures indicating that even in this tough financial environment our faculty and staff are doing what is right for our students – giving them an excellent education at an affordable price."

Dennis L. Hefner, president at SUNY Fredonia, said: “We have been consistently ranked favorably by Kiplinger's and take great pride in being recognized for providing a high quality, real-world education to our students, while keeping their expenses in check. It not only shows prospective students just how marketable a Fredonia education is, but it also assures them that they won't be saddled with exorbitant debt after earning their degree."

About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 465,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with more than 2.5 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.

###