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SUNY ESF Recognized Among Nation's Best and Greenest Colleges in Princeton Review's 2027 Rankings
College earns recognition in The Best 392 Colleges, Best Colleges in the Northeast, Green Colleges, and ranks No. 2 nationally for conservation-minded students
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sept. 23, 2026 – The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) has been recognized among the nation's leading colleges in multiple 2027 rankings released by The Princeton Review. ESF ranked No. 2 nationally in the publication’s “Green Matters: Everyone Cares about Conservation and earned inclusion in The Best 392 Colleges, Best Colleges in the Northeast, and Green Colleges lists.
The recognitions highlight ESF's longstanding commitment to academic excellence, environmental leadership, and preparing students to address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges through hands-on learning, research, and service. The rankings are based largely on student surveys capturing perspectives on academics, campus life, sustainability initiatives, and the overall student experience.
“These Princeton Review recognitions are especially meaningful because they reflect the experiences and perspectives of our students,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “At ESF, environmental stewardship and sustainability are central to our mission. We are proud that students continue to recognize the value of an ESF education and our commitment to creating a more sustainable future.”
For the 2027 edition of The Best 392 Colleges, The Princeton Review analyzed feedback from more than 172,000 students attending colleges throughout the United States. The guide recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional academic experiences and strong student outcomes.
ESF's inclusion in the Green Colleges list reflects the College's commitment to sustainability across academics, research, campus operations, and community engagement. The designation recognizes institutions that demonstrate strong environmental practices and foster a culture of sustainability among students, faculty, and staff.
The College's No. 2 ranking in Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation is based on student responses regarding the institution's support for environmental awareness and conservation efforts. The ranking places ESF among the nation's top colleges for students passionate about conservation and environmental action.
Among the qualities that distinguish ESF are:
- A nationally recognized focus on environmental science, sustainability, and natural resource management
- Experiential learning opportunities that connect students with real-world environmental issues
- Innovative research addressing climate change, conservation, biodiversity, renewable energy, and sustainable materials
- Extensive field-based education through ESF's network of regional campuses and field stations
- A collaborative community united by a shared commitment to environmental leadership
“The Princeton Review's recognition reflects the strength of the ESF experience,” said Provost Lindi Quackenbush. “Our students are deeply engaged in solving environmental challenges, and these rankings underscore the quality of our academic programs, research opportunities, and commitment to preparing future leaders.”
The rankings serve as a valuable resource for prospective students and families seeking institutions that combine academic excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Together, these honors reinforce ESF's reputation as one of the nation's premier colleges for students dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
From advancing innovative environmental solutions to educating the next generation of scientists, designers, policymakers, and natural resource professionals, ESF continues to demonstrate why it is consistently recognized among the nation's best and greenest colleges.
To learn more about ESF’s academic programs, visit www.esf.edu/academics/.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is one of the nation's premier colleges focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. ESF’s Mission is to educate future environmental leaders of all backgrounds, advance knowledge, and skills necessary to promote scholarship and stewardship of the natural to designed environments, and act both locally and globally to Improve Our World. ESF’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni make a global impact on improving and sustaining the environment. ESF offers a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose. ESF’s tight-knit community is centered alongside Syracuse University in the heart of Central New York and has a system of properties spanning 25,000 acres that broadly represent New York state’s rich ecological diversity for scientific study and instruction. To learn more, visit suny.edu.