In 2021, Upstate Medical University was named to the Forbes list of America's best large employers.

By earning this award, Upstate joins the ranks only two dozen universities in the nation and joins such large organizations as Ikea, Apple and NASA as among the honorees.

Forbes compiles its annual list based on an independent survey from more than 50,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people. The survey asked employees to rate their willingness to recommend their employers to friends and family as well as recommend other employers in their industries. Employees also were asked to give their opinions on work-related topics such as working conditions, potential for development, and company image.