Purchase Named a Top Ten Public School

In its 2026 guide, U.S. News & World Report places Purchase at number eight on its list of Top Public Schools among National Liberal Arts Colleges.

Purchase also ranks #30 on the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility among national liberal arts colleges, which evaluates how well colleges serve low-income students.

Also notable—the Psychology BA program is among the guide’s list of Top Undergraduate Psychology Programs.

“We’re thrilled that Purchase is once again a Top 10 Public School among National Liberal Arts Colleges. This accolade from U.S. News & World Report is much more than a number: it is a testament to the value of a Purchase education, and to our ability to provide both access and excellence across our majors in the arts and the liberal arts and sciences,” says Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, PhD.

“We’re especially proud to be recognized for our dedication to social mobility and our commitment to supporting low-income students with the guidance and resources they need to succeed throughout their time at Purchase and their careers after graduation.”

Other Significant Rankings

In addition to the U.S. News and World Report rankings, Purchase College has been included on these lists.

The Princeton Review
Best 391 Colleges in the nation (2026), which includes only 15% of the nation’s four-year colleges. The guide also names Purchase:

Best Northeastern College
Top Green College for our commitment to sustainability.
Best College Theatres
The Hollywood Reporter
Top 25 Acting Programs in the World for 2025

The Fiske Guide to Colleges
Among the roughly 320 colleges selected as meeting the criteria of “best and most interesting colleges in the U.S., Canada, and U.K.”

Money
700 Best Colleges, based on “graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries, and more.”

Purchase College Named a Top Ten Public School