Farmingdale State College (FSC) today announced it has achieved multiple distinctions from U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 Best Colleges publication. The much-anticipated rankings included FSC in the following leading categories: 

• Regional Colleges (North) #6 
• Top Public Schools - Regional Colleges (North) #4 
• Best Value - Regional Colleges (North) #5 
• Best Colleges for Veterans - Regional Colleges (North) #2 

Most notable, FSC improved its overall Regional Colleges (North) ranking 10 spots from #16 to #6. Additionally, FSC rose from #11 to #4 in the Top Public Schools category; secured the #5 spot in the new Best Value Schools category; and climbed to #2 in the Best Colleges for Veterans category -- up from #8 last year.  

“We are tremendously proud to be recognized among the region’s premier institutions in multiple Best Colleges categories,” said Robert S. Prezant, PhD, FSC president. “This forward momentum is the result of FSC’s unwavering commitment to building an enriching student experience and student support, dynamic programs, accessibility, inclusivity, and our increasing recognition as one of the best values in higher education.”  

Additionally, this year FSC reached record enrollment of more than 10,000 students, marking an increase of 6% in enrollment over the 2023-24 academic year, a 9% increase in its freshman class, and an 8% increase in fall application submissions.  

Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News & World Report analysts and editors calculate the annual Best Colleges rankings on several measures of academic quality, highlighting colleges that excel in such areas as value, social mobility, teaching, veterans’ needs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and in six academic disciplines -- business, computer science, engineering, nursing, economics and psychology. U.S. News & World Report’s rankings are widely recognized as markers of excellence in higher education that are conferred by an unbiased and trusted agent. 

A regional hub of research, development, training, and education, FSC empowers students with the latest classroom and laboratory technology, opportunities for experiential learning and real-world internships, with leading-edge degree programs in engineering and technology, the health sciences, business and liberal arts, and certificate and microcredential programs in growing industries. FSC’s mix of academic resources and programs is as unique and diverse as its student body.  

FSC was recently awarded a $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to fund a new, five-year program to support its Hispanic student population. Now a majority minority institution, 51% of FSC’s students identify as coming from minority backgrounds. FSC has also recently received two Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards and federal designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education. As a veterans- and military-friendly institution with nearly 230 military-affiliated students utilizing benefits, including 10 dependents and 30 National Guard members and reservists, FSC has the highest percentage of student veterans of any SUNY campus.  

“We are committed to continuing deliver exceptional educational opportunities that attract a diverse and talented student body,” said President Prezant.  

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