Ithaca College has once again secured national recognition for its commitment to academic excellence, landing among the top regional universities in the North in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings.
In the 2026 edition of the publication’s widely followed rankings, Ithaca College placed #13 overall among 164 Regional Universities in the North, and scored even higher in areas that speak to its distinctive strengths — including #2 in Best Undergraduate Teaching and #8 in Most Innovative Schools.
The rankings reflect strong performance across several metrics, including graduation and retention rates, student-faculty ratio, graduate earnings, and peer reputation. Institutions in the Regional Universities category typically offer a wide range of undergraduate degrees and select master’s programs — though Ithaca College also offers doctoral degrees in physical and occupational therapy.
A focus on students first
College leadership said the national recognition affirms Ithaca’s mission to place students at the center of everything it does.
“This distinction reflects the unwavering commitment of our faculty to place students at the center of everything they do—challenging, mentoring, and inspiring them to reach their full potential,” said President La Jerne Terry Cornish.
The college’s second-place rank in undergraduate teaching highlights the value of close faculty-student engagement — a hallmark of the IC experience.
Innovation earns national spotlight
Ithaca College also made the top 10 for innovation, ranking #8 for schools pushing boundaries in curriculum, campus life, technology, and facilities.
“At our core, innovation means challenging convention, embracing new ideas, and preparing students for a rapidly changing world—and this recognition affirms that commitment,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Melanie Stein.
More accolades from Princeton Review
The college also appeared in Princeton Review’s latest “The Best 391 Colleges” guide, earning top-25 rankings in four separate categories:
- #9 Best College Newspaper
- #12 Best College Theater
- #20 Best College Radio Station
- #25 Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation
These nods reflect both academic quality and the vibrancy of student life on campus.
Students and families can explore more about Ithaca College and its rankings at usnews.com/best-colleges.
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