In The News Announcements

Clarkson College Named a 2026-2027 College of Distinction

30 July 2026

We’re proud to receive national recognition that honors institutions where students don't simply attend college – they are transformed by the experience.

At a time when students, families, and policymakers are asking harder questions about the real value of a college degree, Clarkson College offers a crystal-clear answer. For the 2026-2027 academic year, Colleges of Distinction has named Clarkson College a College of Distinction, a designation reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate experience speaks for itself.

This award signifies a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Rather than relying on endowment figures or selectivity rates, Colleges of Distinction conducts in-depth research and direct interviews with each institution, selecting only those whose campuses reflect a genuine, student-first philosophy.

“Our students are at the center of everything we do here at Clarkson College,” says Andreia Nebel, EdD, PT, DPT, President and CEO, Clarkson College. “We welcome and support them throughout their journey as a student, while providing access to a high-quality academic and clinical experiences, always with a focus on serving others.”

“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” says Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. Clarkson College delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”

Colleges of Distinction was founded on a conviction that still holds: the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides, not its place in a numerical ranking. The inclusion of Clarkson College reflects its mastery of that measure. From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, its students are active participants in their own education.

“It is our mission to prepare our students to be the best,” adds Dr. Nebel. “The need for healthcare workers in our state and across the region is great, and we are committed to developing and nurturing that vital workforce.”

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About Colleges of Distinction

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience. Their website offers dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and valuable resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information and to discover how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.