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SUNY Potsdam Rated in Top 30 National Master's Universities in U.S. by Washington Monthly Magazine

Washington Monthly Ranks SUNY Potsdam in Top 5 Percent of American Master's Universities in 2022 Rankings

Potsdam, NY (09/01/2022) — Washington Monthly has ranked The State University of New York at Potsdam at No. 29 in the country in its national master's universities ratings, in the magazine's 2022 College Guide, released today. Since the rankings were first created 17 years ago, SUNY Potsdam has continually climbed the list -- including the leap from No. 62 last year to breaking the top 30 in 2022.

"SUNY Potsdam is honored to be nationally recognized for our dedication to helping students of all backgrounds succeed -- and ultimately give back to our country and community. For more than 200 years, we have provided an educational experience that is accessible, affordable and rooted in the common good. This new ranking is a testament to our passionate faculty and staff, and the incredible achievements of our graduates," said Officer-in-Charge Dr. Philip T. Neisser '79.

For its guide, Washington Monthly ranks colleges based on their contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and promoting public service. SUNY Potsdam was among the top 5 percent of national master's universities rated this year, coming out at No. 29 out of all 603 institutions on the list, and No. 21 among the public colleges listed.

"The Washington Monthly rankings offer measures of student outcomes that are more useful and relevant to students, the majority of whom are neither wealthy nor applying to highly selective schools, as well as to policymakers at the federal and state levels who must make funding decisions for colleges and universities based on the broader public interest. Whereas U.S. News & World Report rewards colleges for their wealth, prestige, and exclusivity, the Monthly ranks schools based on upward mobility, public service, and research," said Editor-in-Chief Paul Glastris.

SUNY Potsdam also was recognized in Washington Monthly's Best Bang for the Buck (Northeast) rankings, which lists campuses that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.

The College rates highly thanks in large part to the social mobility return it provides for graduates, helping students from all socioeconomic backgrounds earn their degrees and go on to fulfilling and successful careers, with as little debt as possible. Additionally, Potsdam scores highly for the number of undergraduates who go on to earn a Ph.D. or doctorate. Among other factors, the College also earned high scores for the percentage of federal work-study funds spent on service, and for the percentage of graduates studying service-oriented majors like health, education and social service.

To view the full rankings and read more about the methodology, visit washingtonmonthly.com/2022-college-guide/masters.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

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Media Attachments

Students pass through SUNY Potsdam’s Academic Quad during the first day of classes on Aug. 29, 2022. SUNY Potsdam has been ranked No. 29 in the country in the Washington Monthly 2022 College Guide list of National Master’s Universities.

Delaney O'Brian '26, a political science major, laughs with her classmates during the first day of classes at SUNY Potsdam.

SUNY Potsdam has been ranked No. 29 in the country in the Washington Monthly 2022 College Guide list of National Master’s Universities.

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