University climbs 23 spots to #80, reflecting commitment to access and student success
Georgian Court University has earned its highest placement in over five years in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings for Top Performers on Social Mobility, rising 23 spots to #80 in the Best Regional Universities North category. The recognition highlights Georgian Court’s growing success in supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and ensuring their persistence through graduation.
The Top Performers on Social Mobility ranking measures how well universities graduate Pell Grant recipients—students whose families typically earn less than $50,000 annually. These students often face additional barriers to completing their degrees, yet Georgian Court has distinguished itself by providing the resources, mentorship, and academic support needed to help them thrive.
“This recognition affirms what we see every day on campus. Our students, regardless of background, are achieving extraordinary outcomes,” said Dr. Eugene Cornacchia, Interim President of Georgian Court University. “Social mobility is a cornerstone of our mission as a Mercy institution to open doors, provide opportunity, and transform lives through education.”
Georgian Court is ranked #110 in the Best Regional Universities North category in this year’s report. The combined rankings underscore the university’s strength in combining academic quality with its mission-driven focus on access and equity.
Programs like the GCU Promise, designed to make higher education attainable for New Jersey students with financial need, along with small class sizes and personalized mentoring, continue to drive student success and support first-generation and underserved learners.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings remain one of the most widely consulted resources for students and families navigating the college search. By rising to #80 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, Georgian Court has further solidified its role as a leader in helping students not only enroll but also graduate and pursue meaningful careers.
