Brescia University has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading institutions for advancing social mobility, earning the No. 13 ranking among Regional Universities South for Social Mobility in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings.
The annual rankings evaluated more than 1,700 colleges and universities nationwide, measuring institutions across as many as 17 indicators of academic quality and student success. The Social Mobility ranking specifically recognizes colleges and universities that excel at enrolling and graduating economically disadvantaged students.
“We are honored to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for our commitment to student success and opportunity,” said Madison Silvert, Brescia University president. “Not only does this ranking reflect Brescia’s commitment to educating the whole person, regardless of circumstance, but, when you couple this with the fact that we are one of the top returns on investment in the state, it means we are transforming lives for generations to come.”
The Social Mobility ranking is based heavily on outcomes for students who receive Pell Grants, federal aid awarded primarily to students from families with adjusted gross incomes below $50,000. U.S. News recognizes institutions that not only enroll significant numbers of Pell Grant recipients but also help those students persist and graduate at high rates.
Research consistently shows that economically disadvantaged students are less likely to complete a college degree than their peers, even when accounting for academic preparation in high school. However, colleges that effectively support these students play a critical role in advancing social mobility and expanding opportunities for individuals, families, and communities.