The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is ranked the fourth-best university in the United States at helping lower-income students earn degrees. For the second consecutive year, it landed in Washington Monthly magazine’s College Guide as a top 10 engine of social mobility.
According to the September/October 2013 issue, UL Lafayette is among the best national universities in the magazine’s social mobility category. The ranking rewards schools for “recruiting and graduating students of modest means," according to Paul Glastris, Washington Monthly’s editor-in-chief.
Washington Monthly’s overall ranking of universities is based on three metrics that are weighted equally. In addition to social mobility, the guide measures research and service.
UL Lafayette’s overall rank was 102 among 280 national universities. Other Louisiana universities in the national university ranking were Tulane University (100), Louisiana Tech University (160), Louisiana State University and A&M College (178), and the University of New Orleans (234).
“As a national research university known for providing a top-quality education, we are pleased to be recognized for our dedication to reaching out to and serving students with varying needs for financial assistance,” said Dr. DeWayne Bowie, vice president of Enrollment Management.
UL Lafayette’s 41 percent graduation rate is among the highest in Louisiana. It is ranked second-highest among state public universities in research spending, with $70 million in expenditures annually.
The University of California, San Diego was rated best overall among national universities. The University of Texas at El Paso topped the social mobility category.
Since 2005, Washington Monthly has published annual rankings of four-year institutions, with lists for national universities, liberal arts colleges, master’s universities, and baccalaureate colleges. It also ranks community colleges.
Washington Monthly is a nonprofit magazine covering United States politics and government that’s based in Washington, D.C. Its college guide focuses on key research outputs, the quality and total dollar amount of scientific grants awarded, the number of graduates going on to earn doctoral degrees and the number of graduates that later participate in public service.
For more information, go to http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/rankings_2013/national_un...