Siena Heights University (SHU) was recently recognized as a top performer in the regional Midwest for social mobility by the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, economically disadvantaged students are less likely to finish college. However, some colleges are more successful than others in advancing social mobility—this is done by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. Of the over 1,500 students enrolled at Siena Heights University, more than 40%  received a Pell Grant for the Fall 2022 semester.

Of 166 colleges and universities ranked for social mobility, Siena Heights was tied with a ranking of #61. Of the institutions listed in Michigan for social mobility, SHU was placed fourth. Additionally, Siena Heights University tied at #104 for Regional Universities in the Midwest.

Of this distinction, Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD, notes: “We are extremely proud of the U.S. News and World Report Social Mobility ranking. This reflects the positive reality of ‘The Siena Effect.’ Our devotion to our student’s success through academics, advising, and excellent support services, assists students to reach their dreams. At Siena Heights we are student-driven in everything that we do, and to have this confirmed by The U.S. News & World Report is very gratifying.”

When asked about the social mobility recognition, George Wolf, Vice President of Enrollment for SHU, remarks: “These days, there are questions about the value of just any college education. This recognition adds to a number of accolades consistently proving Siena’s value and that it is not just any college.”

The overall rankings from the U.S. News & World Report assess more than 1,800 U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 17 metrics and place the largest emphasis on a college’s retention and graduation rates. Other factors include class size, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, and average spending per student on instruction and other educational expenses, among others.

Sr. Peg continues: “Siena Heights is dedicated to creating an inclusive future for all by providing access and opportunity to a diverse population of students and helping them create positive outcomes in their lives.”