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Bernard M Baruch College notched a coveted spot on Forbes’ list of the top 25 state universities in the country, but the CUNY campus dropped a few pegs from last year.

The Manhattan college is “one of the most cost-effective colleges on our list” and “has a good return on investment,” according to Forbes, garnering it the No. 22 spot. Last year, Baruch ranked No. 19.

Baruch tuition is $31,482 for New Yorkers, and $39,432 for out-of-staters — but that’s before student aid. 


  Baruch is one of the top public colleges, according to a new Forbes list. LightRocket via Getty Images Baruch is one of the top public colleges, according to a new Forbes list. LightRocket via Getty Images

Of all the schools on the list — which covers four-year public colleges with at least 300 undergraduates — Baruch “enrolls the highest percentage of low-income students,” Forbes said.

Fifty-two percent of its undergraduates receive Pell grants.

“Only 11% of Baruch College undergraduates take out loans to attend the school, and the median debt burden is $10,000,” Forbes indicated.

California has the biggest presence on the Forbes list, having secured eight spots, including the top two positions.


  Baruch has a “good return on investment,” Forbes said. Bloomberg via Getty Images Baruch has a “good return on investment,” Forbes said. Bloomberg via Getty Images

  Ranked No. 1, University of California-Berkeley is known for its top-tier academics. Bloomberg via Getty Images Ranked No. 1, University of California-Berkeley is known for its top-tier academics. Bloomberg via Getty Images

University of California-Berkeley, known for its top-tier academics, is No. 1. University of California-Los Angeles came in at No. 2. University of Florida landed at No. 3.

At No. 22, Baruch bested Texas A & M University-College Station, North Carolina State University at Raleigh and San Diego State University.

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