EMU Today

YPSILANTI -- Eastern Michigan University’s longstanding commitment to be an institution of opportunity is substantiated in the latest U.S. News and World Report Social Mobility rankings. Eastern is tied for first among Michigan universities for advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating a large proportion of economically disadvantaged students. 

Eastern has scored highly in U.S. News’ Social Mobility rankings for several years. The latest rankings confirm Eastern’s distinct place among Michigan universities for serving an important population of students who may have not had opportunities for a college degree otherwise.

“While Eastern scores highly in a number of national rankings of various academic and service-oriented programs, this particular ranking is one of the most significant and rewarding,” said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. “We don’t use the phrase ‘mission of opportunity’ lightly. It is what Eastern Michigan University stands for – providing pathways to opportunities and careers for those who might otherwise be left behind.”

In its rankings, U.S. News cites that economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for their achievement in high school. But some colleges are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. At Eastern, 46% of first-year, full time students receive Pell Grants.

The U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings also continue to recognize the excellence of the University’s engineering programs. Undergraduate engineering programs climbed another 18 places in the national rankings this year –now at 69th best in the nation, up from 87th last year and 119th two years ago. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.