The college is one of the Top 100 public schools nationally, and is #7 nationally for public, medium-sized schools in the 2026 rankings 

August 29, 2025

Forbes released its 2026 list for America’s Top Colleges, and once again, Ramapo College is among the “colleges that shine.”

The annual list reflects colleges that deliver a “gold-standard undergraduate education.” Only 500 schools out of more than 4,000 U.S. colleges and universities made the list, shining a spotlight on schools where students achieve strong returns on their educational investment. 

Forbes ranks colleges and universities based on measures that matter to students and families, including retention and graduation rates, student debt, and alumni salary. Ramapo’s one-year retention rate of 87% exceeds the national average by almost 10%, and the six-year graduation rate is eight points higher than the national average reported by the National Center for Education Statistics, with 60% of students graduating in four years. Forbes lauded Ramapo for the $121,000 median salary alumni earn. 

Ramapo continues to enroll and support students from a wide range of financial backgrounds and create pathways to success, providing robust financial aid and comprehensive student support services in health and wellness, academics, and advisement to ensure every Roadrunner thrives. 

This latest accolade follows on the heels of being named one of the 2025 best colleges in America by Money Magazine and as one of the best colleges in the northeast by Princeton Review for 2026.