8 Long Island Colleges, Ranked First To Worst

Ever wonder about the best four-year colleges on Long Island? Niche.com ranked some of them, listing eight colleges and grading them on their academic standards and quality of life.

The list was part of the web compiler's annual "Best Colleges" list that was released this week, identifying what it considers to be the top 100 in the nation based on assessments and reviews.

Nine New York schools are ranked in the top 100 on Niche.com's national list. Columbia University is No. 12, Colgate University is No. 22, Cornell University is No. 29, Barnard College is No. 30, Hamilton College is No. 47, New York University is No. 54, University of Rochester is No. 63, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is No. 93 and Vassar College is No. 100.

The "Best Colleges" ranking is based on what the website considers a "rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education." For its national list, the website also includes millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares more than 1,000 top colleges and universities in the U.S.

These aren't the most scientific results. Niche incorporates solid data into its rankings, but many of its metrics include some amount of online survey responses on the Niche.com website. So, an ambitious push by faculty, students and supporters can move the needle on a school's overall performance, including many of the metrics used by Niche, like school safety, student life, community ratings, diversity and more.

Below are all the schools on Long Island that made the top 100 list in New York, where they were ranked in the state, their grade and a short review for each from a student:

26. Stony Brook University, Stony Brook (A-) "Everyone on campus is super friendly, and the classes I've taken so far have been very engaging. The professors are also super friendly and they all definitely care about each student's success."

28. United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point (B+) "USMMA is unique and sometimes challenging because classes are taught at an accelerated pace. Each trimester students take up to 20 credits. Students spend 11 out of 12 months at school with few and short breaks. However, the rigorous academics and schedule students endure are small prices to pay for a valuable degree and multiple well-paying job opportunities in the maritime industry following graduation."

35. Adelphi University, Garden City (B+) "Attending Adelphi University is like creating a new family. With open arms I was accepted in, finding friends with similar passions. I was able to not only learn more about the world, but I got the chance to learn more about myself. The professors I worked with consistently went out of their way to support their students not just in the classroom, but in any place needed. The warm feeling that crept through my chest every time I was able to walk into the Social Work department of Adelphi University is irreplaceable."

36. Molloy College, Rockville Centre (B+) "Molloy meets the criteria for a perfect school in all different aspects. Everyone at the school is friendly, welcoming, caring, and supportive. All of the professors are extremely dedicated and make the learning experience enjoyable. Professors go out of their way to make sure students succeed."

43. Hofstra University, Hempstead (B+) "I love diversity in campus, living with so many different cultures is such a breathe of fresh air. And the campus is so large it's like it's own little community. And there are so many extra curriculum programs."

67. New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury (B) "I love my college because it has great internships connected to the school, the digital film department has great equipment and the school itself is full of amazing staff."

77. SUNY Farmingdale State College, Farmingdale (B-) "The instructors are friendly and easily approachable. The courses are relevant; notes are put on the student portal to print out. The library offers printing, copying and scanning services. Most classes are full, but instructors strive to pay individual attention."

91. Long Island University - C.W. Post, Brookville (B-) "I love this school starting from the campus life, the beautiful environment, campus activities, to their available programs and classes. My only issue with Post is the cost of tuition and things that are sold on campus(ex: food, books, etc)."

The New York list includes all four-year colleges in the state, awarding them grades that ranged from A to C+.

See methodology here.