Innovation and Social Mobility Recognized in U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings

New York Institute of Technology was recognized for both its innovation and social mobility among universities in the North in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings. 

The university was ranked No. 18 in the Regional Universities North Most Innovative Schools category. In this new ranking, college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans were asked to nominate up to 15 colleges or universities in their ranking category that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities. New York Tech also achieved a No. 29 ranking among Top Performers on Social Mobility in Regional Universities North, up from No. 38 in 2025, reflecting its strong graduation rate of students who were awarded Pell Grants.

“New York Tech has a history of innovation and it is gratifying to be recognized as an innovative school in our region as we also strengthen our leadership in entrepreneurship education,” says President Jerry Balentine, D.O. “Providing access to education is a cornerstone of our mission and a key determinant of social mobility, and we are focused every day on enhancing our students’ experiences inside and outside the classroom.”

Additionally, New York Tech improved its position in the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (National, No Doctorate) ranking to No. 33 and moved up 21 positions in the national ranking of Undergraduate Computer Science Programs. While still highly ranked in the Regional Universities North category (New York Tech currently is No. 25), this position was impacted by a change in methodology. As most schools in this category have discontinued the use of SAT/ACT scores and moved to test-optional requirements, average SAT scores have been removed from the ranking calculations for 2026.