UAlbany Ranked Among Top in the Nation for Social Mobility
ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 2, 2021) – The U.S. News & World Report “Best College Rankings” has again named the University at Albany a top performer in social mobility for 2021, tied at No. 29 nationally, and/or within the top 7 percent of the country.
The annual ranking measures how well universities graduate students who receive Pell Grants, typically awarded to those who come from households that earn less than $50,000 annually. It adds to UAlbany’s continued recognition as a leader in shaping a bright economic future for students from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds.
More Social Mobility Accolades
In Washington Monthly’s 2020 “College Guide and Rankings,” UAlbany is listed at No. 46 among 389 public and private colleges - the highest of any SUNY school - based on contributions to public good. UAlbany is listed at No. 30 and/or within the top 7 percent in its social mobility category.
Additionally, a new ranking by Education Reform Now in 2020 lists UAlbany as one of its top “Social Mobility Elevators,” No. 38 and/or within the top 6 percent nationally. CollegeNET’s 2020 Social Mobility Index (SMI) lists UAlbany at No. 31 and/or within the top 2 percent.
“As one of the five priorities in our strategic plan, UAlbany remains committed to student success and creating pathways to excellence for first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities,” said UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez. “These continued national rankings in social mobility are further evidence that we are serving as a powerful engine of opportunity for all students, regardless of background or social status.”
Opportunities for All
UAlbany welcomed 3,940 new Great Danes last semester, including 2,695 freshmen, who together make up one of the most academically accomplished and diverse classes in school history.
Notably, 41 percent of the University’s Class of 2024 come from underrepresented groups, 27 percent of the total student body are first-generation students and 38 percent of undergraduate students are receiving Pell grants.
The Education Trust identified UAlbany last October as a leader in advancing racial equity among the nation’s 101 most selective public higher education institutions, based on 20 years of federal education and U.S. Census data to analyze and compare the percentage of Black student enrollment.
In an interview with the Chronicle of Higher Education, Vice President for Student Affairs Michael Christakis credited the University’s success in diversifying its student body to “aggressive recruiting, dedicating resources to mentoring first-generation and underrepresented students, and creating support programs to make students feel welcome.”
“Students who have good experiences at the University spread the word to their communities,” Christakis said. “Success breeds success.”