On Sept. 18, SUNY Oswego rapidly moved up 15 places to become no. 39 in the U.S. News and World Report’s list of the “2024 Best Regional Universities in the North.” 

U.S. News introduced new criteria for their social mobility ranking to focus more on the graduation rate of students from various socio-economic backgrounds. With this new ranking criteria, Oswego also moved up one spot to no. 18 in the North for social mobility. The institution continued its journey on the Best Value list, landing at no. 50. In other areas of high placement, Oswego ranked no. 15 in the North public school category, no. 15 in Best Schools for Veterans and no. 18 in undergraduate teaching. The rankings come as great praise to the institution. However, they pose a greater question: what do these rankings mean for current SUNY Oswego students?  

The news is good for first-years, helping to reaffirm any lingering questions about their college decision. For upperclassmen, it helps to prove that their investment in education is the right choice. 

However, academic success advisor Andrew Buchmann pointed out that these rankings will not have a major impact on current and prospective students.

Buchmann pointed out the cost of attendance, the campus and public opinion on SUNY Oswego will influence the future statistics of the institution significantly more than a nationwide list. Regardless, Buchmann does believe that his work as an academic advisor has positively impacted students, which translates into the data that U.S. News uses to determine ranking. He stressed the importance of the Advisement Center as a place for first-year students to talk about stressors that may be impacting their college experience. He believes that the improvements in student advisement have contributed to student and institutional success. 

As an Oswego alumnus himself, Buchmann emphasized looking past college rankings and focusing more on taking advantage of all the opportunities that SUNY Oswego has to offer. He spoke about the importance of obtaining more than just a degree by taking part in internships and study abroad programs. Buchmann believes that students who take advantage of these opportunities have the chance to increase their upward mobility.

For SUNY Oswego to climb the ranks, Buchmann believes that improving the overall student experience is key. He shared that a university is more than the faculty and staff; it is the students that make a college successful and they must be given opportunities that can make them successful.

The rankings from U.S. News and World Report give students, faculty and staff key insight into colleges and universities. These numbers can provide good starting points for students who may feel lost in their college search. While these rankings may not be the biggest factor in one’s college decision, they are still a source of pride for employees like Buchmann and show the staff of SUNY Oswego that they are both doing a good job and making a positive impact. 

-ed out the cost of attendance, the campus and public opinion on SUNY Oswego will influence the future statistics of the institution significantly more than a nationwide list. Regardless, Buchmann does believe that his work as an academic advisor has positively impacted students, which translates into the data that U.S. News uses to determine ranking. He stressed the importance of the Advisement Center as a place for first-year students to talk about stressors that may be impacting their college experience. He believes that the improvements in student advisement have contributed to student and institutional success. 

As an Oswego alumnus himself, Buchmann emphasized looking past college rankings and focusing more on taking advantage of all the opportunities that SUNY Oswego has to offer. He spoke about the importance of obtaining more than just a degree by taking part in internships and study abroad programs. Buchmann believes that students who take advantage of these opportunities have the chance to increase their upward mobility.

For SUNY Oswego to climb the ranks, Buchmann believes that improving the overall student experience is key. He shared that a university is more than the faculty and staff; it is the students that make a college successful and they must be given opportunities that can make them successful.

The rankings from U.S. News and World Report give students, faculty and staff key insight into colleges and universities. These numbers can provide good starting points for students who may feel lost in their college search. While these rankings may not be the biggest factor in one’s college decision, they are still a source of pride for employees like Buchmann and show the staff of SUNY Oswego that they are both doing a good job and making a positive impact. 

Photo via: SUNY Oswego