Keiser University has once again been named one of the top universities in the country for providing upward social mobility to its students according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Colleges ranking, the nation’s leading college rankings list. Keiser University was named No. 21 in the nation in social mobility in this year’s rankings which were released today.
“We are humbled to again be recognized among the best school in the nation in providing social mobility to students,” said Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., Chancellor of Keiser University. “Keiser University is dedicated to creating an inclusive future for a diverse population of learners and providing an education that allows our students to experience positive socioeconomic outcomes in their lives.”
Keiser University has been considered one of the top institutions in the nation in providing social mobility since 2020, the first year U.S. News included a separate ranking for social mobility. Last year, Keiser earned the top spot among all universities in the social mobility ranking. In 2022, Keiser University was ranked No. 5 in the country and No. 1 in Florida in the category. In 2021 Keiser ranked No. 11 in the category and took the No. 34 spot in 2020.
The U.S. News social mobility ranking measures colleges and universities on their ability to graduate economically disadvantaged students. The ranking considers the six-year graduation rate of Pell Grant students in comparison with the six-year graduation rate among non-Pell recipients.
The question of how well universities prepares low-income students for success has garnered attention in recent months with some universities receiving criticism for failing to create positive outcomes for disadvantaged students. Keiser University has closed the gap for low-income learners of all ages by offering unique and targeted student support services, and degree programs in many emerging and targeted industries.
“At the core of Keiser University’s mission is our dedication to student success and career advancement. We take immense pride in consistently creating resources tailored to our students’ needs, enabling them to realize the American Dream,” said Keiser. “Our commitment remains steadfast in enhancing the lives of individuals and communities across Florida and the U.S.”
In addition to its top-25 spot on the social mobility ranking, Keiser University earned No. 254 overall in the National Universities category. This is only the fourth year the University has been listed in the National University category which includes schools that are mostly research-oriented and offer a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Keiser moved from the Regional Universities grouping in 2020 as a result of its Carnegie Classification as a Doctoral University.
The 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings assess more than 1,800 U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 19 metrics for National Universities, adding new ranking factors for first generation student graduation rates and faculty research. This year’s rankings also placed an increased weight placed on social mobility factors to calculate a school’s overall rankings. Other factors include class size, undergraduate academic reputation, and how much a school spends per student on instruction and other related educational expenses.
Keiser University enrolls approximately 20,000 students at 21 campuses throughout Florida, internationally, and online. For nearly half a century, Keiser University continues to address the talent needs of Florida. Most of Keiser’s academic degrees are in industries identified as emerging or critically needed and address job growth in Florida’s targeted industries.
About Keiser University:
Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Reports in 2023.