(Oakland City, IN – Monday, September 12, 2022) – Today, U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 – 2023 Best Colleges rankings have ranked Oakland City University as the seventh best University in the nation for Social Mobility. Oakland City University was reclassified within the Carnegie Classification system as a Doctoral Professional University, moving the university from its regional status to a national professional university.
OCU President Ron Dempsey stated, “This recognition reflects our historical commitment to educating students who otherwise might not receive a college education. It also connects with our mission as a Christian faith-based learning community dedicated to enhancing our student’s intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social development for positive leadership.”
The U.S. News publication states that economically disadvantaged students are less likely to finish college, even when controlling for other characteristics. But some colleges are more successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating many disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. The vast majority of these federal grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000.
Dempsey concluded, “To be recognized with a top ten ranking in our first year as a national professional university demonstrates OCU’s commitment to students. We are honored to be recognized for serving our students’ needs.”
U.S. News badges are widely recognized as symbols of excellence in higher education that an unbiased trust agent confers.
Oakland City University provides students with a Christian learning environment giving students a hand-up, supporting them financially and academically as they pursue fulfilling careers and purposeful lives. OCU is ranked 7th Nationally by U.S. World Report for social mobility. OCU is blessed with 32% student diversity and 29% first-generation college students, awarding $8M in aid to 100% of the students. In addition, OCU’s student-athlete success rate is 88%, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty class rate in over 50 career-focused concentrations. Enter to Learn – Go Forth to Serve. OCU is located at 138 North Lucretia Street, Oakland City, IN 47660, and can be found online at www.oak.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.