Alfred State College Sees Steady Growth and Increased Interest

Alfred State College (ASC) is experiencing notable enrollment growth and recognition in academic rankings, reflecting its appeal to a broad range of students. This increasing interest in enrollment is despite declining numbers of high school graduates. College leaders attribute their success to recruitment beyond Western New York and the desire of students and parents to choose career-focused, hands-on education. 

The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges List ranks Alfred State among the top Northern Regional Colleges across several categories. When students seek schools offering their preferred program, US News reports Alfred State is among the best, including number one honors for a dozen different majors. 

“Our consistent enrollment growth and national rankings reflect the value of an Alfred State education,” said President Dr. Steve Mauro. “While many colleges face challenges with enrollment, we are seeing more students choose Alfred State for its practical, outcomes-based education. Our graduates are sought after by employers, which reassures students and parents about the return on their investment.” 

Following a record-breaking incoming class for fall 2023, again this year over 3,500 students are enrolled at ASC. The college’s strategy is supported by key enrollment statistics:  

• A 23.5% increase in first-year full-time students from Pennsylvania.
• A 20% rise in applications, totaling 11,184, the most in the school’s history. 
• Over 7,000 campus visits by prospective students and their families. 
• A 7.7% increase in non-traditional learners at the Northland campus. 
• A 3% increase in transfer students. 
• International students enrolled from 13 countries.

Vice President of Enrollment Kishan Zuber noted, “Our focus is not only on attracting students but also on providing the support they need to succeed here. We continue to strengthen our efforts to help students complete their degrees and pursue fulfilling careers.”  

In addition to enrollment gains, Alfred State continues to expand its academic offerings, adding new majors, certificates, and microcredentials. The college also supports a growing number of students from diverse backgrounds, including those in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which assists first-generation and low-income students in developing the skills they need for the workforce.

Alfred State's ranking in the US News list highlights several areas where the college is making an impact in the 11-state region which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont:

• No. 3 Northern Regional Colleges with 3,000 or More Students
• No. 4 Northern Regional Colleges with Least Debt
• No. 5 Best for Veterans Northern Regional Colleges
• No. 7 Best Public Regional Colleges in the North
• No. 10 Best Public or Private Regional Colleges in the North
• No. 10 Public Northern Regional Colleges for Social Mobility

Additionally, Alfred State earned national recognition for specific majors, such as HVAC, masonry, electrical construction, and heavy equipment. ASC earned high Regional College rankings for students seeking most of its programs.  

Alfred State’s National Rankings Per Major

• No. 1 HVAC Professionals
• No. 1 Masonry Trades
• No. 2 Electrical Construction
• No. 2 Heavy Equipment Tech
• No. 5 Auto Service & Motorsports
• No. 6 Construction Management
• No. 7 Architectural Technology
• No. 8 Civil Engineering Technology
• No. 10 Culinary Arts
• No. 11 CNC Manufacturing
• No. 11 Construction & Building Trades
• No. 11 Engineering-Related Tech

Northern Public College Rankings for ASC 

• No. 1 Accounting
• No. 1 Agricultural Technology
• No. 1 CNC Manufacturing
• No. 1 Culinary Arts
• No. 1 Electrical Construction
• No. 1 Engineering-Related Tech
• No. 1 Graphics & Media
• No. 1 HVAC Professionals
• No. 1 Heavy Equipment Tech
• No. 1 Human Services
• No. 1 Liberal Arts & Sciences
• No. 1 Masonry Trades
• No. 2 Agricultural Management
• No. 2 Application Software Developer
• No. 2 Architectural Technology
• No. 2 Auto Service & Motorsports
• No. 2 Biological Science
• No. 2 Construction & Building Trades
• No. 2 Construction Engineering Tech
• No. 2 Construction Management
• No. 2 Criminal Justice
• No. 2 Mechatronics
• No. 2 Science Technology
• No. 2 Social Science & Services
• No. 3 Civil Engineering Technology
• No. 3 Computer Engineering Tech
• No. 3 Computer Programming
• No. 3 Electrical Engineering Tech
• No. 3 Financial Planning
• No. 3 Health Information Tech
• No. 3 Sports and Fitness
• No. 4 Architecture
• No. 4 Biological Science
• No. 4 Cultural Studies
• No. 4 Design & Applied Arts
• No. 4 Health Professionals
• No. 4 Human Sciences
• No. 4 Mechanical Engineering Tech
• No. 4 Nursing
• No. 5 Information Tech Management
• No. 5 Physical Science
• No. 6 Business Services
• No. 7 Forestry & Environmental Sci
• No. 7 Multi-Disciplinary Studies

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See all ASC Rankings & Awards.