Already among “Best National Universities,” UB cracks top 10 for least student debt, according to U.S. News rankings

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Students who want to attend an exceptional public university that doesn’t burden them with overwhelming debt should consider the University at Buffalo, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The magazine’s annual "Best Colleges" guide released today ranks UB among the top 10 universities nationwide for students graduating with the least debt. UB is No. 3 among public universities; its No. 9 among public and private universities.

UB ranked No. 19 among public and private universities in last year's U.S. News rankings.

During a visit to UB last month, President Barack Obama applauded the university’s commitment to ensuring that students graduate with little or no debt. Specifically, Obama mentioned Finish in 4, a program in which UB pledges to provide incoming freshmen with the resources they need to graduate in four years.

The average amount of debt for UB students who incur debt is $17,449, and more than half of UB students graduate without debt, according to the U.S. News. At national universities with the “most debt,” students graduate with average debt of $35,228 to $43,727, according to U.S. News, and as many as 98 percent of students graduate in debt.

The magazine also listed UB among the best universities in the country. UB is ranked No. 51 among the nation’s public universities and No. 109 among both private and public universities. With the ranking, UB again earns the distinction as one of the “Best National Universities” in the U.S., according to the magazine.

“UB is a research university.  We deliver exceptional education by having our top scholars working closely with students and we do this with exceptional quality and tremendous value,” said UB Provost and Executive Vice President Charles F. Zukoski.  “Over the past few years, UB has made significant investment in our students’ education to enrich their classroom experiences, provide more courses and sections and achieve better graduation rates, thereby reducing overall educational costs to our students and their families.”

More than 1,500 of the country's four-year colleges and universities were considered by U.S. News for the rankings in a handful of categories. UB scored well in graduation rate, academic reputation, student selectivity and student retention.

Also earning a top ranking with U.S. News was UB's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, ranked No. 65 among the nation's best undergraduate engineering programs at schools whose highest degree is a doctorate. UB's School of Management is again ranked as one of the best undergraduate business programs with a ranking of No. 86 out of more than 680 accredited schools, higher than any other business school in the State University of New York system.

“As we continue to work with Governor Cuomo to position SUNY and New York to lead in affordability, access and quality, and President Obama puts these issues into focus nationally, we are proud to be recognized and ranked favorably by U.S. News and World Report,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Congratulations to the University at Buffalo and the many campuses representing SUNY on this list.”

The rankings are available at http://www.usnews.com.