Siena Heights University ranked for social mobility
ADRIAN — Siena Heights University was recently recognized as a top performer among universities in the Midwest region for social mobility by the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
Economically disadvantaged students are less likely to finish college, according to U.S. News & World Report. However, some schools are more successful than others in advancing social mobility. This is done by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded federal Pell Grants as part of their financial aid packages. Of the more than 1,500 students enrolled at Siena Heights University, more than 40% received a Pell Grant for the Fall 2022 semester, a news release from SHU said.
Of 166 colleges and universities ranked for social mobility in U.S. News & World Report's Regional Universities in the Midwest category, Siena Heights was tied with a ranking of 61. Of similar institutions listed in Michigan for social mobility, SHU was placed fourth. Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Spring Arbor University were ahead of SHU. Additionally, Siena Heights University tied at No. 104 overall for Regional Universities in the Midwest.
“We are extremely proud of the U.S. News and World Report Social Mobility ranking," SHU President Sister Peg Albert said in the release. "This reflects the positive reality of ‘The Siena Effect.’ Our devotion to our students’ 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.”
“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,” George Wolf, vice president of enrollment at SHU, said in the release.
More:Adrian College ranks highly in U.S. News and World Report ratings
Adrian College tied for 42nd out of 76 regional Midwest colleges in U.S. News & World Report's social mobility rankings. AC also ranked No. 2 among the 2022-23 Most Innovative Schools for regional Midwest colleges and No. 3 in Best Undergraduate Teaching. AC was again listed among the best “Regional Colleges, Midwest,” placing in a tie for 19th with Dakota Wesleyan College in Mitchell, South Dakota. U.S. News & World Report also ranked AC No. 12 in Best Value Schools and No. 21 in First Year Experience.
AC and SHU are in different categories of schools in the magazine's ratings.
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, SHU's news release said. Other factors include class size, undergraduate academic reputation, faculty resources, and average spending per student on instruction and other educational expenses, among others.
“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,” Albert said.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Siena Heights University nationally ranked for social mobility
