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The University of New 51���� was again featured in The Princeton Review’s annual guidebook of the top colleges and universities across the country, lauded for its diverse student body and the variety of opportunities for students to get engaged – both in and out of the classroom.

September 26, 2022

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Shortly before graduating with his undergraduate degree in national security, Cole Kochanowski ’22 was awarded a Fulbright-Hays Fellowship. The highly competitive award enabled him to study Persian in the central Asian country of Tajikistan this past summer.

Kochanowski, who graduated in May with a degree in national security, says his professors’ support and mentorship proved to be invaluable, and he credits them with preparing him for this exciting opportunity.

“I would not have applied to continue my education abroad and to develop my language skills if it weren’t for Dr. Matthew Schmidt,” said Kochanowski. “He pushed me to be a better student, a better writer, and more invested in my future. I would have never considered the Fulbright if it were not for Dr. Schmidt.”

‘A testament to our talented faculty’

Kochanowski is among the many students who cite their professors as being particularly impactful in their educational journey. In fact, in The newest edition of its popular go-to guidebook for prospective students and their families, Chargers praised their professors’ “resumes that are incredibly proficient” and how they bring their experience to the classroom through “real world stories as well as hands-on events and exercises.” It is the seventh consecutive year the University is included as one of the top colleges and universities in the country.

The Princeton Review, a well-known educational services company, included the University in . It does not rank colleges and universities, but, rather, it profiles and recommends the best schools in the country for undergraduates, largely based on feedback of students.

"It is always rewarding to be recognized by Princeton Review as the experiences of our students play a critical role in earning the opportunity to be featured in this highly-respected publication,” said Steven H. Kaplan. Ph.D., the University’s chancellor. “Hearing students talk so highly about their learning opportunities and their faculty is inspiring, and it is a credit to our professors who dedicate their lives to preparing our students for the careers of the future.”

‘A great opportunity’

The Princeton Review’s annual guidebook and college rankings lists are based on what students report about their schools and their experiences via a survey. The University was also included in the “Best Northeastern” zone in the guidebook, considered by the organization to be academically outstanding and well worth consideration in a prospective student’s college search.

Students were asked about their schools’ academics and administration, student life, their classmates, and their own experiences. The Princeton Review included data from the surveys of 160,000 students at the 388 schools featured in the book. University of New 51���� students praised the University’s focus on interdisciplinary study – a “highlight” of a University education – and the opportunities to engage in project-based learning.

For Allison Sawicki ’22, conducting research as a mechanical engineering major and as a member of the University’s Honors program created unique hands-on learning opportunities. She conducted research on thermal batteries as part of her thesis, enabling her to explore how they fit into the renewable energy sector, something she is particularly interested in.

"This project was a great opportunity for me because I feel it has helped me get a better picture of the challenges in this field,” said Sawicki, now an associate design engineer at . "My time at the University prepared me for success by helping me learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

‘Confidence and resilience’

In addition to commending the University’s academics and its professors, the guidebook quoted a student who said, “it is easy to find people you fit in with because the campus is so diverse.” It also praised the “wonderful facilities” and vibrant student life, including the 150 clubs and organizations that offer a variety of ways for students to connect and get involved.

For Kochanowski, the Fulbright-Hays Fellowship recipient, the University offered a variety of opportunities to be an active member of the community while making new friends, and he believes his involvement will help him succeed in the workplace. A brother and vice president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, he was also a drum major for the University’s marching band, president and a founding member of the Residence Hall Association, senator-at-large for the , and vice president of the Class of 2022.

“The University has provided me with many leadership opportunities that have led to my success,” said Kochanowski. “Through the positions I held, I gained confidence and resilience that I will carry with me throughout my career.”