Rankings / Social Mobility

Best Colleges for Low-Income Students

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 50 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$54,758

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

50%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$11,864

Avg. Net Price

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When considering colleges, low-income students and their families often face unique challenges and choices. This list highlights the best colleges that excel in social mobility, specifically for students who qualify for Pell Grants. These institutions not only support diverse student populations but also provide pathways to successful careers, with an average earning potential of $57,189 for graduates.

What separates these schools from the rest are their strong outcomes in key areas such as graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduation earnings. The schools listed below have been ranked based on their ability to elevate low-income students into better financial situations, making it essential to understand how these metrics impact long-term success. For instance, the average graduation rate among these colleges is 50%, which reflects a commitment to seeing students through to completion despite financial hurdles.

Take CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and CUNY Hunter College as examples. Baruch reports earnings of $75,971 and a graduation rate of 72%, while Hunter shows lower earnings at $63,163 and a 59% graduation rate. The difference in earnings can significantly impact a graduate's ability to manage debt, with Baruch's lower net price of $3,033 compared to Hunter's $2,984, illustrating the tradeoffs students need to consider as they evaluate their options.

Key Findings

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College graduates average $75,971 in earnings.

The average graduation rate among these colleges is 50%.

CUNY Hunter College has a net price of $2,984, making it affordable for low-income students.

CUNY Brooklyn College graduates carry an average debt of $11,000.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 50

Avg. earnings at 10yr $54,758

Avg. graduation rate 50%

Avg. net price $11,864

Avg. median debt $18,564

How We Ranked

High-Pell colleges ranked by mobility and outcomes for low-income students

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY

Graduation72%

Earnings$75,971

Net Price$3,033

View full profile →

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY

Graduation59%

Earnings$63,163

Net Price$2,984

View full profile →

CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY

Graduation56%

Earnings$62,763

Net Price$4,195

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY · 16,154 students · Public

The Low-Income Students program at CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College is designed for students who are eager to advance their education while overcoming financial barriers. Students in this program focus on practical skills and real-world applications, positioning themselves for successful careers in various fields. With a diverse student body, Baruch fosters a supportive environment where low-income students can thrive academically and personally.

48% accepted 72% graduate $75,971 earnings

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · 16,289 students · Public

CUNY Hunter College’s Low-Income Students program is tailored for those who are ready to tackle the challenges of higher education while navigating financial constraints. Students engage in a vibrant academic community that emphasizes personal growth and social responsibility, preparing them for careers that make a difference. This program empowers students to harness their potential and gain the tools necessary for success in their chosen fields.

54% accepted 59% graduate $63,163 earnings

CUNY Queens College

Queens, NY · 12,550 students · Public

At CUNY Queens College, the Low-Income Students program supports individuals striving to achieve their academic dreams despite financial limitations. This program nurtures students’ aspirations through a rich educational experience that emphasizes community engagement and career readiness. Students here can expect a collaborative atmosphere that encourages them to take charge of their futures and the world around them.

64% accepted 56% graduate $62,763 earnings

CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, NY · 10,543 students · Public

Students drawn to CUNY Brooklyn College will find a supportive environment for pursuing their education, especially those from low-income backgrounds. The Low-Income Students program here focuses on helping students navigate their academic journey while developing practical skills that are essential for success in the workforce.

58% accepted 55% graduate $60,752 earnings

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York, NY · 11,590 students · Public

At CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the Low-Income Students program is tailored for those who aspire to make a difference in their communities, particularly in the fields of criminal justice and public service. This program supports low-income students with resources and guidance as they work toward meaningful careers that contribute to societal change.

57% accepted 56% graduate $56,195 earnings

Miami, FL · 39,508 students · Public

Florida International University's Low-Income Students program champions the potential of students who may face financial obstacles. This initiative is designed for those ready to embrace their educational journey, equipping them with the skills and support networks necessary to succeed. Students are encouraged to engage with a diverse community that values inclusivity and aims to uplift all its members, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

55% accepted 74% graduate $60,249 earnings

Florida's full profile

#13

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · 32,294 students · Public

The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Low-Income Students program aimed at fostering academic success and career readiness for students from diverse backgrounds. This program is well-suited for individuals who are eager to advance their education but may need additional support to navigate the challenges of college life. With a focus on community engagement and personal development, students will work toward degrees that align with their career aspirations and the demands of the job market.

80% accepted 55% graduate $63,199 earnings

State University of New York at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY · 3,769 students · Public

78% accepted 59% graduate $56,403 earnings

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · 18,639 students · Public

San Francisco State University welcomes low-income students into a vibrant, diverse academic community. With a 42% Pell Grant recipient rate, the university is dedicated to creating pathways for students to engage deeply with their studies while benefitting from a rich cultural environment. Here, students can pursue degrees that reflect their passions and career goals, bolstered by a strong support system that values diversity and inclusion.

96% accepted 50% graduate $68,077 earnings

Portland State University

Portland, OR · 13,182 students · Public

91% accepted 53% graduate $57,906 earnings

Portland's full profile

#17

Bristol Community College

Fall River, MA · 6,083 students · Public

22% graduate $38,663 earnings

Bristol's full profile

#18

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · 30,580 students · Public

87% accepted 52% graduate $57,131 earnings

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Durant, OK · 3,018 students · Public

76% accepted 32% graduate $45,079 earnings

Southeastern's full profile

#20

CUNY Medgar Evers College

Brooklyn, NY · 3,233 students · Public

CUNY Medgar Evers College is dedicated to supporting low-income students, creating an environment where they can thrive academically and professionally. With a focus on accessibility, the college aims to empower students through education, offering a diverse range of programs that cater to various interests and career goals.

86% accepted 21% graduate $46,498 earnings

Saint Peter's University

Jersey City, NJ · 2,135 students · Private nonprofit

90% accepted 61% graduate $57,815 earnings

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · 2,561 students · Private nonprofit

90% accepted 59% graduate $60,327 earnings

Dominican's full profile

#23

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · 18,376 students · Public

88% accepted 64% graduate $61,415 earnings

Montclair's full profile

#24

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX · 8,767 students · Public

96% accepted 47% graduate $56,544 earnings

The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · 21,005 students · Public

100% accepted 48% graduate $50,923 earnings

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI · 5,049 students · Public

92% accepted 47% graduate $56,318 earnings

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Alva, OK · 1,498 students · Public

65% accepted 33% graduate $44,358 earnings

Northwestern's full profile

#28

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY · 3,563 students · Public

76% accepted 54% graduate $50,445 earnings

SUNY Old Westbury

Old Westbury, NY · 4,162 students · Public

At SUNY Old Westbury, the Low-Income Students program aims to empower individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This path is well-suited for students eager to transform their educational experience and enhance their career prospects in a supportive setting with a diverse community.

84% accepted 46% graduate $58,526 earnings

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Chickasha, OK · 941 students · Public

66% accepted 41% graduate $41,913 earnings

University's full profile

#31

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA · 3,050 students · Private nonprofit

71% accepted 64% graduate $65,464 earnings

University's full profile

#32

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK · 4,772 students · Public

100% accepted 36% graduate $45,379 earnings

Northeastern's full profile

#33

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · 8,150 students · Public

86% accepted 37% graduate $49,652 earnings

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · 3,974 students · Private nonprofit

81% accepted 59% graduate $58,709 earnings

Aurora's full profile

#35

University of Mount Olive

Mount Olive, NC · 1,796 students · Private nonprofit

76% accepted 50% graduate $47,139 earnings

University's full profile

#36

New York Institute of Technology

Old Westbury, NY · 3,440 students · Private nonprofit

81% accepted 58% graduate $70,080 earnings

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA · 2,464 students · Private nonprofit

71% accepted 61% graduate $62,235 earnings

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA · 1,544 students · Private nonprofit

64% accepted 53% graduate $58,896 earnings

Fresno's full profile

#39

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · 14,062 students · Public

89% accepted 57% graduate $48,160 earnings

University's full profile

#40

Manor College

Jenkintown, PA · 443 students · Private nonprofit

95% accepted 25% graduate $46,825 earnings

Concordia University Texas

Austin, TX · 1,185 students · Private nonprofit

91% accepted 42% graduate $60,883 earnings

Concordia's full profile

#42

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · 17,743 students · Public

90% accepted 55% graduate $54,211 earnings

Kean University

Union, NJ · 11,433 students · Public

76% accepted 45% graduate $57,237 earnings

Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN · 1,776 students · Private nonprofit

88% accepted 59% graduate $61,106 earnings

Hamline's full profile

#45

Concord University

Athens, WV · 1,504 students · Public

93% accepted 41% graduate $42,703 earnings

Concord's full profile

#46

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC · 812 students · Private nonprofit

58% accepted 47% graduate $43,101 earnings

Gallaudet's full profile

#47

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · 11,301 students · Public

70% accepted 49% graduate $57,808 earnings

Northern's full profile

#48

North Park University

Chicago, IL · 1,818 students · Private nonprofit

69% accepted 57% graduate $59,572 earnings

Avila University

Kansas City, MO · 1,312 students · Private nonprofit

88% accepted 47% graduate $52,773 earnings

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · 7,560 students · Public

96% accepted 42% graduate $44,301 earnings

Austin's full profile

When we look at the data for CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and CUNY Queens College, a clear pattern emerges. Baruch's graduates earn $75,971 on average, significantly higher than Queens College's $62,763. This disparity in earnings can be attributed to Baruch's higher graduation rate of 72% compared to Queens' 56%, showcasing the impact of institutional support on student outcomes.

After reviewing the list of 50 schools, it's important to weigh these metrics against personal priorities. Think about factors like campus culture, specific academic programs, and location. A college might have a lower net price but could lack support structures that help students graduate. Consider what matters most to you — whether that’s a strong alumni network, internship opportunities, or a vibrant campus life.

Ultimately, the data reflects the journey from college to a stable life. A family may invest in education, hoping it leads to financial security and career advancement. Choosing a school that aligns with financial realities and personal goals can make a significant difference in outcomes and opportunities down the road.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →

[2]

Chetty, R., Jackson, M., Kuchler, T., et al. (2022). Social Capital I: Measurement and Associations with Economic Mobility. Nature, 608, 108-121. →

[3]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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