UB moves up among nation’s ‘top 50’ best public universities

UB has earned a “top 50” rating among public universities for the third straight year, according to U.S. News and World Report.

This distinction places UB among the top public universities in the nation, ranking No. 43, up two places from last year’s No. 45. For the second straight year, the magazine also rated UB among the “top 100” national universities in the country, placing 99th.

The rankings were released today in the magazine’s 2017 Best Colleges issue.

U.S. News based its rankings on an assessment of 1,374 of the country’s four-year colleges and universities, in addition to data reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also earned a top rating from U.S. News, ranking No. 63 among the nation’s best undergraduate engineering programs at schools whose highest degree is a doctorate. The School of Management rose to No. 77 from No. 80 out of more than 700 accredited schools, higher than any other business school in the SUNY system.

UB’s engineering and management schools ranked 38 and 48, respectively, when ranked among public universities.

“At UB, we are known for our innovative educational opportunities and impactful, cross-disciplinary research,” said Charles F. Zukoski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

“Our students learn from the top scholars in their fields in unique academic programs, travel the world and participate in research projects and cultural and community engagement activities.

“We are very pleased that our distinctive programs and commitment to excellence continue to be recognized by students, families and our broader community.”

Paul Tesluk, dean of the School of Management, said that innovations like the school’s Undergraduate Learning and Community Center and undergraduate honors program “are going a long way to enhance the quality of our student experience and our global reputation.”

“It’s always nice to see these efforts reflected in the rankings,” Tesluk said.

UB is rated among the top universities for international students, who make up 16 percent of the university’s student population. The 2015 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released by the Institute of International Education, placed UB among the top 20 U.S. institutions hosting international students for the 13th straight year.

U.S. News also rated UB among the best colleges for veterans, ranked No. 64 among national universities.

“The U.S. News and World Report rankings are a testament to the excellent programs and services provided by faculty and staff across SUNY, and a reminder to our current and future students that SUNY is dedicated to providing them with a highly valuable degree that will serve them well long after graduation,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Congratulations to the University at Buffalo on this much-deserved recognition.”

U.S. News targets a total of nine weighted measures to calculate an institution’s ranking. Key elements include undergraduate academic reputation, assessment by peers and counselors, student selectivity, retention and graduation rate performance.

Applications to UB were up 10 percent from last year, reflecting one of the largest and strongest applicant pools in recent history. As a result, the university is on target for a record freshman enrollment this fall, expected to be around 3,950 students — about 400 of whom are international students.

The Class of 2020 is also more diverse than last year’s, as the university enrolled 10 percent more minority students.

UB also has completed the redesign of the Silverman Library, the first milestone of the Heart of the Campus, a key UB 2020 initiative designed specifically to enhance student achievement and the academic environment. The Silverman Library underwent a $7.2 million, high-tech renovation to transform the 45,000-square-foot space into a state-of-the-art intellectual hub for the campus, reimagining and reinventing the traditional role of the academic library.