Bay Path University Recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Social Mobility

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been ranked 16th on U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of Top Performers for Social Mobility in the North. Bay Path is one of only two Massachusetts institutions to appear in the top 20.

The social mobility ranking measures how effectively colleges graduate economically disadvantaged students. Rankings are based on the percentage of Pell Grant recipients enrolled, their graduation rates, and how those rates compare to non-Pell-eligible students.

“Right now, there’s a lot of conversation about the value of a college degree. Throughout our 128-year history, Bay Path has remained committed to delivering affordable, workforce-aligned programs that ensure our graduates are career-ready. That has always been — and will continue to be — our educational model,” Bay Path President Sandra Doran said. “While many institutions are rethinking their approach to career readiness, we continue to refine our programs so that our learners graduate with the knowledge and skills to launch successful careers, advance throughout their professional lives, and get a return on all they’ve invested in their futures.”

In recent years, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings have drawn criticism for reinforcing exclusivity and inequality. Advocates point instead to the Social Mobility Index, which evaluates how well colleges educate students from families below the national median income and prepare them for meaningful, well-paying careers.

“We’ve upheld our commitment to offering a high-value education to students for whom a college degree is truly transformative,” Doran added. “To be recognized as a top performer for social mobility for five consecutive years underscores that commitment.”