EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has been ranked among the best universities in the country in the social mobility category – defined as the opportunities it offers students who receive federal Pell Grants and their graduation rates.

Eastern was ranked 119 in the nation among 389 national universities, and among the top three national universities in Michigan. The  U.S. News & World Report annual rankings are considered the gold standard of reference in recognizing various elements of college life.

Challenges for lower-income students

The rankings, released this week, are premised on the fact that economically disadvantaged students are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for other characteristics, according to the magazine.

“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. The vast majority of these federal grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000,” U.S. News & World Report said in announcing the rankings.

The ranking aligns with EMU’s core values of excellence, respect, responsibility, integrity and, most notably, inclusiveness, which states: “We create an environment that supports, represents, embraces and engages members of diverse groups and identities.”

Ranking notes annual symposium and MLK celebration

Eastern’s U.S.News & World Report ranking noted several distinct elements of the University, including the following features:

• “Students can show off their research projects at the annual Undergraduate Symposium, which is put on by the College of Arts & Sciences.”

• “The university also celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year with community building exercises and opportunities for creative expression.”

• “EMU students can join more than 200 campus organizations, and take a break from it all in the Student Center.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 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. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.