Rankings / Social Mobility
Best Colleges for Low-Income Students
- 50
- Schools
- $59,338
- Avg. Earnings
- 59%
- Avg. Graduation
- $7,354
- Avg. Net Price
- $14,354
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $19,761 at the low end to $92,446 at the top. That 4.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $75,971 against $3,033 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is Talmudical Seminary of Bobov, at $2,840 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Vanderbilt University graduates 93% of its students, well above the 59% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Berea College: graduates owe only 0.08× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ($75,971 earnings), not the highest earner, University of California-Berkeley ($92,446). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Talmudical Seminary of Bobov ($2,840/yr) and Vanderbilt University ($15,846/yr) produce graduates earning $22,432 and $91,565 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $13,006 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College outperforms University of California-Berkeley: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and Vanderbilt University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $60K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
- 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.
- Chetty, R., Jackson, M., Kuchler, T., et al. (2022). Social Capital I: Measurement and Associations with Economic Mobility. Nature, 608, 108-121.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College #1 overall | $75,971 ▲ +28% vs avg | $3,033 | 72% | 82 |
| 2 CUNY Hunter College #2 overall | $63,163 ▲ +6% vs avg | $2,984 | 59% | 76 |
| 3 CUNY Brooklyn College #3 overall | $60,752 ▲ +2% vs avg | $3,103 | 55% | 75 |
| $66,039 ▲ +11% vs avg | $3,776 | 56% | 75 | |
| $56,195 ▼ -5% vs avg | $3,203 | 56% | 75 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges for Low-Income Students
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $59,338 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 59% and an average net price of $7,354.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College — Net Price: $3,033 | Graduation Rate: 72%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Vanderbilt University — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of California-Berkeley — Median alumni earnings: $92,446
Our Analysis Found
Low-income students at colleges in the top quartile of economic connectedness are 267% more likely to reach the top income quintile than peers at the least-connected schools.
Economic Mobility Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about which colleges actually move students up?
$59,594
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$6,453
Median net price
5.1%
Avg. mobility rate
This ranking flips the usual definition of college quality. Instead of inputs like test scores, selectivity, and endowment size, it measures output: whether students who start at the bottom of the income ladder end up at the top. The schools that rise here operate as mobility engines rather than gatekeepers. They show that a college can redistribute opportunity instead of merely confirming advantage.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $59,594 ten years after they first enrolled, about $11,594 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 56%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $6,453 a year, with about $14,145 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 51% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 5.1%.
The schools driving mobility are not the usual prestige names. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads this list, lifting 12.9% of bottom-quintile students to the top, and the average mobility rate across these schools is 5.1%, well above the 1.7% national benchmark. These are the institutions delivering on higher education’s founding promise.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College lands at #1 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (73/100). Graduates earn a median $75,971 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,033 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
CUNY Hunter College lands at #2 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $63,163 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $2,984 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
CUNY Brooklyn College lands at #3 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $60,752 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,103 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
CUNY City College lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,039 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,776 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
New York, NY · 57% accepted · $3,203 net
Why it ranks #5
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice lands at #5 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $56,195 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,203 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
CUNY Lehman College lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,013 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,148 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 91% accepted · $3,967 net
Why it ranks #7
California State University-Los Angeles lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,211 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,967 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
CUNY Queens College lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $62,763 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,195 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Berea College lands at #9 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $43,150 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,106 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Florida lands at #10 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Texas A & M International University lands at #11 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $48,386 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,637 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
San Bernardino, CA · 94% accepted · $4,564 net
Why it ranks #12
California State University-San Bernardino lands at #12 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $59,977 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,564 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Edinburg, TX · 94% accepted · $4,831 net
Why it ranks #13
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $49,620 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,831 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Bakersfield, CA · 94% accepted · $5,652 net
Why it ranks #14
California State University-Bakersfield lands at #14 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $59,009 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,652 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
California State University-Fullerton lands at #15 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,951 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,555 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
California State University-Stanislaus lands at #16 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (65/100). Graduates earn a median $63,188 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
University of Florida-Online lands at #17 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #18
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #18 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
California State University-Fresno lands at #19 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $61,244 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,000 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Northridge, CA · 93% accepted · $7,021 net
Why it ranks #20
California State University-Northridge lands at #20 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $59,115 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,021 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Waterbury, CT · 87% accepted · $10,875 net
Why it ranks #21
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus lands at #21 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,875 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Florida International University lands at #22 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Champaign, IL · 42% accepted · $14,355 net
Why it ranks #23
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lands at #23 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $81,054 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,355 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
New York, NY · 21% accepted · $13,269 net
Why it ranks #24
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art lands at #24 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (75/100). Graduates earn a median $83,847 a decade after enrolling, 41% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,269 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Indiana University-Kokomo lands at #25 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $49,917 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,968 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Universidad Central de Bayamon lands at #26 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (54/100). Graduates earn a median $25,021 a decade after enrolling, 58% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,827 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
CUNY York College lands at #27 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $56,945 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Dewey University-Hato Rey lands at #28 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (43/100). Graduates earn a median $19,761 a decade after enrolling, 67% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,577 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel lands at #29 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (92/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (17/100). Graduates earn a median $31,853 a decade after enrolling, 46% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,156 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Elizabeth City State University lands at #30 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,026 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $27,997 a decade after enrolling, 53% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,765 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
University of Illinois Chicago lands at #32 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (62/100). Graduates earn a median $68,740 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,974 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of South Florida lands at #33 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
The University of Texas at El Paso lands at #34 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,923 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,403 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Vanderbilt University lands at #35 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (80/100). Graduates earn a median $91,565 a decade after enrolling, 54% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,846 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands at #36 with a 62/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,163 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Chickasha, OK · 66% accepted · $6,624 net
Why it ranks #37
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma lands at #37 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $41,913 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,624 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
College of Staten Island CUNY lands at #38 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $53,501 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,579 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Florida Atlantic University lands at #39 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
University of California-Merced lands at #40 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (67/100). Graduates earn a median $64,368 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,983 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Socorro, NM · 44% accepted · $9,873 net
Why it ranks #41
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology lands at #41 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $76,489 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,873 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Talmudical Seminary of Bobov lands at #42 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (96/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (13/100). Graduates earn a median $22,432 a decade after enrolling, 62% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,840 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Carson, CA · 93% accepted · $8,615 net
Why it ranks #43
California State University-Dominguez Hills lands at #43 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $57,162 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,615 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 9% accepted · $12,548 net
Why it ranks #44
University of California-Los Angeles lands at #44 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $82,511 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,548 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #45
Michigan Technological University lands at #45 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $78,198 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,182 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
CUNY Medgar Evers College lands at #46 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $46,498 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,718 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Long Beach, CA · 46% accepted · $10,440 net
Why it ranks #47
California State University-Long Beach lands at #47 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (66/100). Graduates earn a median $64,403 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,440 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Brooklyn, NY · 80% accepted · $5,127 net
Why it ranks #48
CUNY New York City College of Technology lands at #48 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $49,365 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,127 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
Saint Xavier University lands at #49 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,656 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,970 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
University of California-Berkeley lands at #50 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (90/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $92,446 a decade after enrolling, 56% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,481 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Finding the right college can be especially challenging for low-income students, who often face unique financial hurdles. The schools on this list share a commitment to supporting these students, as evidenced by their strong outcomes in earnings and graduation rates. On average, graduates from these institutions earn about $56,726 annually, highlighting the potential for a stable financial future.
What sets these colleges apart is their focus on social mobility, where metrics like net price, completion rates, and the earnings of graduates play a crucial role. For instance, the average graduation rate across these schools is 57%, which speaks to their ability to help students finish what they started. As you explore the schools below, consider how each institution balances affordability with the potential for future earnings.
Take CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and CUNY City College as examples. Baruch stands out with an impressive $75,971 average earnings for graduates and a 72% graduation rate, while City College, despite having a lower earning potential of $66,039 and a 56% graduation rate, still offers a net price of $3,776. This contrast illustrates the tradeoffs students might consider when evaluating their options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 21 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 5.1%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the group at 12.9%, with CUNY Lehman College (10.2%) and CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (9.7%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 18.2% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. CUNY Lehman College enrolls the most, at 36.7%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 31.7% across the list, peaking at 59.3% at Vanderbilt University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.52, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Vanderbilt University is highest at 1.82.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When examining the data, a notable pattern emerges between CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and CUNY Brooklyn College. Baruch not only has higher average earnings at $75,971 but also boasts a graduation rate of 72%. In contrast, Brooklyn College, with an average earning of $60,752 and a 55% graduation rate, highlights the importance of both financial outcomes and completion rates when making a decision.
Now that you've seen the options, consider how these schools align with your personal priorities. Think about location, specific programs, and campus culture. While financial data is critical, it's also essential to weigh how well each institution fits your academic and personal needs. Look for schools that match your career aspirations while also providing a supportive environment.
The data here emphasizes the significant impact of college choice on long-term financial stability. Each student and family faces a unique situation, but the decision to pursue higher education can lead to a better quality of life. For many low-income students, selecting a college that prioritizes their success can pave the way toward a more secure future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges for Low-Income Students: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges for Low-Income Students ranking? +
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges for Low-Income Students ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,971 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 72% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of California-Berkeley posts the highest median earnings on this list: $92,446 ten years after enrollment, well above the $59,338 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads: graduates earn a median $75,971 against net price of about $3,033 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Vanderbilt University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 59% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $7,354 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Talmudical Seminary of Bobov is among the most affordable at roughly $2,840. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges for Low-Income Students ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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. →
Chetty, R., Jackson, M., Kuchler, T., et al. (2022). Social Capital I: Measurement and Associations with Economic Mobility. Nature, 608, 108-121. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
Related Rankings
