U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORTS RANKS OAKLAND CITY UNIVERSITY
Oakland City- For the second year, U.S. News and World Report's 2023 – 2024 Best Colleges rankings have ranked Oakland City University in the top ten best Universities in the nation for Social Mobility. Oakland City University is ranked number eight in the country.
Within the top 15 Universities, Oakland City University is the only university in the Midwest; most reside in California, Florida, New York, or New Jersey.
OCU President Ron Dempsey stated, "To receive this recognition for the second year reflects our historical commitment to educating students who otherwise might not receive a college education. The goal of education is to lift people up and provide them with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitude to have a meaningful life and career. This goal connects directly to our Christian faith-based learning community mission to enhance our student's intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social development for positive leadership."
The U.S. News publication states that economically disadvantaged students are less likely to finish college, even when controlling for other characteristics. However, some colleges are more successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating many disadvantaged students awarded Pell Grants. The majority of these federal grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000.
Dempsey concluded, "To be recognized with a top ten back-to-back ranking as a national professional university demonstrates OCU's commitment to students. We are honored to be recognized for serving our students' needs."
U.S. News badges are widely recognized as symbols of excellence in higher education that an unbiased trust agent confers.