Rutgers-Newark is #5 among universities nationwide for social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings.
RU-N made big strides in that category, moving up from #21 last year. The social mobility index assesses how well schools enroll and graduate economically disadvantaged students with federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to those whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000.
“Rutgers-Newark has been committed to social mobility for decades. The current rankings confirm our commitment to an incredibly talented and diverse student body,’’ said Interim Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson. “As an institution of higher education and anchor institution, Rutgers-Newark is committed to access, affordability, student success and changing that directory of students lives.”
Rutgers-Newark’s rankings rose in several areas, standing this year at #80 among the top universities in America, up from #82 last year, and #39 among top public schools, up from #40. It also ranked #48 for Best Colleges for Veterans.
Additional rankings placed Rutgers Business School at #94 among undergraduate business schools and #177 for undergraduate Computer Science. Rutgers-Newark’s undergraduate Psychology program was ranked at #131.
The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings were calculated using 17 key measures of academic quality for national universities with an emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating college students.
