Rankings / Social Mobility
Best Social Mobility Colleges for Education
- 50
- Schools
- $58,390
- Avg. Earnings
- 61%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,272
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,626
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $35,348 at the low end to $81,400 at the top. That 2.3× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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CUNY Brooklyn College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $60,752 against $3,103 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, CUNY Brooklyn College at $3,103 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $60,752, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Swarthmore College graduates 93% of its students, well above the 61% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Brigham Young University: graduates owe only 0.15× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to CUNY Queens College ($62,763 earnings), not the highest earner, Davidson College ($81,400). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. CUNY Brooklyn College ($3,103/yr) and The College of New Jersey ($27,646/yr) produce graduates earning $60,752 and $73,323 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $24,543 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY Brooklyn College outperforms Davidson College: 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 Brooklyn College and Swarthmore College. 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 $57K 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 Queens College #1 overall | $62,763 ▲ +7% vs avg | $4,195 | 56% | 82 |
| 2 CUNY Brooklyn College #2 overall | $60,752 ▲ +4% vs avg | $3,103 | 55% | 80 |
| 3 Boricua College #3 overall | $35,348 ▼ -39% vs avg | $15,245 | 74% | 80 |
| $75,790 ▲ +30% vs avg | $15,564 | 82% | 79 | |
| $80,257 ▲ +37% vs avg | $23,149 | 93% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Social Mobility Colleges for Education
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $58,390 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 61% and an average net price of $14,272.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Brooklyn College — Net Price: $3,103 | Graduation Rate: 55%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Swarthmore College — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Davidson College — Median alumni earnings: $81,400
Data Insight
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.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$56,799
Median earnings (10yr)
59%
Median graduation rate
$14,382
Median net price
2.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $56,799 ten years after they first enrolled, about $8,799 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 59%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $14,382 a year, with about $19,500 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 35% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.2%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $56,799 against a typical net price of $14,382. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Queens College lands at #1 with a 82/100 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, 7% 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 #2
CUNY Brooklyn College lands at #2 with a 80/100 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, 4% 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 #3
Boricua College lands at #3 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (100/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $35,348 a decade after enrolling, 39% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,245 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Brigham Young University lands at #4 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (75/100). Graduates earn a median $75,790 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,564 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Swarthmore College lands at #5 with a 78/100 composite, led by academic quality (94/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (70/100). Graduates earn a median $80,257 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,149 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 #6
Davidson College lands at #6 with a 78/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (72/100). Graduates earn a median $81,400 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,379 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 #7
SUNY College at Geneseo lands at #7 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $67,316 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,211 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Northern Iowa lands at #8 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $55,177 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,901 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Valley City State University lands at #9 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,725 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,890 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Mayville State University lands at #10 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,828 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,456 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Bay Path University lands at #11 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (97/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,383 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,271 a year. 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 #12
Illinois State University lands at #12 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,117 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,398 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
Edwardsville, IL · 98% accepted · $14,889 net
Why it ranks #13
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville lands at #13 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,346 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,889 a year. 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 #14
East Texas A&M University lands at #14 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 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 #15
Fresno Pacific University lands at #15 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,896 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,630 a year. 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 #16
Florida International University lands at #16 with a 76/100 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, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
University of Central Florida lands at #17 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, well under 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 #18
Goshen College lands at #18 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $51,943 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,493 a year. 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 #19
SUNY Oneonta lands at #19 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $60,386 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,158 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 #20
University of North Florida lands at #20 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 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 #21
Niagara University lands at #21 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,196 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,248 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 #22
Fort Hays State University lands at #22 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $48,928 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,569 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
Plattsburgh, NY · 78% accepted · $17,156 net
Why it ranks #23
State University of New York at Plattsburgh lands at #23 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $56,403 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,156 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 #24
University of the Cumberlands lands at #24 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (94/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,036 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,107 a year. 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 #25
The College of New Jersey lands at #25 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $73,323 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 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 #26
Emporia State University lands at #26 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,601 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,261 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 #27
Lewis University lands at #27 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,099 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 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 #28
San Francisco State University lands at #28 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Minot State University lands at #29 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $51,759 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,703 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 #30
Oakland City University lands at #30 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $43,283 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,210 a year. 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
Ramapo College of New Jersey lands at #31 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,541 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,173 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 Paltz, NY · 62% accepted · $18,809 net
Why it ranks #32
State University of New York at New Paltz lands at #32 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $58,073 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,809 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 #33
James Madison University lands at #33 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $69,954 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,322 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 #34
Trinity Christian College lands at #34 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $55,700 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,125 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
Buena Vista University lands at #35 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 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 #36
University of Florida-Online lands at #36 with a 75/100 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, 23% 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
Why it ranks #37
Rhode Island College lands at #37 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,318 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,478 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
SUNY Old Westbury lands at #38 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,526 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,282 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
The University of Texas at Tyler lands at #39 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (69/100). Graduates earn a median $57,053 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,323 a year. 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 Delaware lands at #40 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $72,950 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,799 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 #41
Texas Woman's University lands at #41 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (68/100). Graduates earn a median $56,544 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,963 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 #42
Southern Utah University lands at #42 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (67/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,462 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 #43
Western Washington University lands at #43 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $62,569 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,193 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 #44
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #44 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 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 #45
Bristol Community College lands at #45 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $38,663 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,547 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 #46
Washington State University lands at #46 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $68,905 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,971 a year. 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 #47
Sonoma State University lands at #47 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $65,986 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,885 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Bridgewater State University lands at #48 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,466 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,383 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 #49
Ferris State University lands at #49 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $54,735 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,624 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 #50
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #50 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
When considering a college education, many families are focusing on social mobility — the potential for students to improve their economic status through accessible education. The schools on this list are noted for their strong programs in Education, which is vital as educators shape future generations. Here’s a look at how these institutions stack up against each other.
What sets the top schools apart here is their performance in key areas: earnings after graduation, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall social mobility. These factors reflect not just the quality of education but the real-world outcomes for graduates. For example, Vanderbilt University leads the pack with impressive earnings of $91,565 and a graduation rate of 93%, making it clear that attending a school with strong support systems can have a significant impact on future success.
Consider two schools: CUNY Queens College and the University of Florida-Online. While CUNY Queens College has a lower graduation rate at 56% and higher debt at $10,298, it boasts a net price of just $4,195. In contrast, the University of Florida-Online has a higher graduation rate of 81%, but students graduate with $15,000 debt. This illustrates the trade-offs families must consider when evaluating options for education programs in this field.
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
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 49 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2.2%. CUNY Brooklyn College leads the group at 8.1%, with CUNY Queens College (7.1%) and Florida International University (5.2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 8.7% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Boricua College leads at 46.7%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 28% across this list. The College of New Jersey posts the highest success rate at 49.9%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.67 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Swarthmore College reaches 1.84, the highest on the list.
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
Some key patterns emerge when we look closer at the data. Vanderbilt University significantly outperforms CUNY Brooklyn College in terms of earnings and graduation rates. While Vanderbilt students earn an average of $91,565 and graduate at a 93% rate, Brooklyn College sees average earnings of $60,752 and only 55% of students completing their degree. This contrast underscores how institutional support and resources can influence student outcomes.
After reviewing the 50 schools, it's important to weigh this information against your own priorities. Consider what matters most: Is it location? Program fit? Financial implications? Make a list of what you value, then match those priorities against the metrics you see here. A school that offers a lower net price might appeal more if finances are tight, while a higher graduation rate could be crucial if you’re looking for a robust support system.
Looking at the broader picture, these metrics reveal much about the journey from college to a stable career. For families, choosing the right educational path can lead to better job prospects and financial stability. It’s not just about earning a degree; it's about the impact that degree can have on a life. Each decision we make as part of this process shapes our future and our families' futures, underscoring the importance of thoughtful consideration in selecting an education program.
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 Social Mobility Colleges for Education: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Social Mobility Colleges for Education ranking? +
CUNY Queens College in Queens, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Social Mobility Colleges for Education ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $62,763 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 56% 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? +
Davidson College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $81,400 ten years after enrollment, well above the $58,390 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 Brooklyn College leads: graduates earn a median $60,752 against net price of about $3,103 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? +
Swarthmore College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 61% 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 $14,272 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Brooklyn College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,103. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Social Mobility Colleges for Education 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. →
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