As this year’s college rankings roll in, Binghamton University has been featured on many lists and highlighted for its value, caliber and quality of education.

U.S. News and World Report ranked BU as No. 86 in its Best National University list, which was a three-spot improvement from last year’s rank.

Ryan Yarosh, the director of media and public relations at BU, said that these rankings are extremely helpful for applicants when they are determining what colleges are best for them. The publicity that comes with these reviews can help draw applicants to the University.

“Binghamton is consistently ranked amongst the top public universities in the nation,” Yarosh said. “These rankings by leading publications assist students, parents, school counselors and employers with determining the quality and value of a college education.”

Business Insider Singapore also ranked Binghamton University as one of the best public colleges, listing the University at No. 10. According to the publication, the schools on its public college list also offered a quality education for a relatively low price.

According to Yarosh, these rankings are vital to Binghamton University’s growing reputation.

“College guide books, established magazines and research institutes that provide annual national rankings are often the first resources people turn to when starting college searches,” Yarosh said.

College Raptor also ranked BU as No. 18 in their list of the 25 best large colleges. According to them, Binghamton University has extensive research opportunities and a selective rate of acceptance.

Yarosh added that these rankings showcase the University’s improvements, and highlight them for the general public.

“These rankings help validate that Binghamton has been able to get bigger and better — growing significantly while improving the quality of our incoming class year after year,” Yarosh said.

Binghamton University was also ranked as the No. 53 best school for veterans by U.S. News and World Report. According to Zach DuBord, assistant director of transfer and veteran services, the University is aiming to continue building its veteran support system.

“The more veteran students we have, in some respects, the easier it becomes to serve them,” Dubord said to the Press & Sun-Bulletin. “Because there’s a larger network, we can build a larger community.”

The rankings also help with University retention rates. William Ferrante, a graduate student studying biology, said that he opted to stay at Binghamton University for graduate school partly because of the quality of public feedback the school had received.

“I’m a grad student and part of the reason I chose to stay at Binghamton was because of the rankings and reputation we have,” Ferrante said. “I think it’s great that people associate Binghamton with quality education at an affordable price, and that through our new rankings, even more people become familiar with the school. I believe the new rankings will help us grow our programs and influence.”