Bay Path University Recognized for Innovation and Social Mobility by 2022 U.S. News & World Report
The University gained in rankings for two significant categories.
Longmeadow, MA — U.S. News & World Report 2022 Best Colleges ranks Bay Path University as a top-performing school for both social mobility and innovation in the Regional North Universities category.
In the report released Monday, September 13, Bay Path is ranked number 26 in social mobility, increasing its standing by 42 spots from 2021. Social mobility recognizes the University’s strength at helping economically disadvantaged students succeed and graduate.
Bay Path also ranks number 9, moving up three spots, on the 2022 Best Colleges list of “most innovative” universities in the northern region.
In both of these categories, Bay Path was selected from a pool of public and private colleges and universities from New England, New York, and New Jersey.
“Bay Path University is about to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Our success—and longevity—has been directly tied to our commitment to provide our students with career-focused education that is innovative and relevant,” said Bay Path President Sandra J. Doran. “Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and our community—trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters of the University—work in concert to make sure our students are able to reach their goal of a college degree.”
Top Performers on Social Mobility Ranking
The social mobility rankings are calculated by assessing the six-year graduation rates of students who received federal Pell Grants compared with the graduation rate of other students. Those grant recipients generally come from households with annual incomes under $50,000. In 2020, 58.3% of Bay Path’s traditional undergraduate students were identified as Pell-eligible.
Bay Path has long been committed to fostering an environment that is supportive and inclusive reflecting the diversity of our students. For the 2021 incoming fall class of traditional students, 55% were the first in their family to attend college, and 60% were diverse. The University offers numerous scholarship opportunities, as well as academic assistance and other supports, such as the ALLI program, which helps young women transition from high school to their first year as a university student, and an extensive peer tutoring support system.
Most Innovative Schools Ranking
The Most Innovative Schools ranking recognizes institutions that have made “innovative improvements toward curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology and facilities.” These rankings are provided by top college officials who select schools that the public should be watching because of cutting-edge changes they are making on their campuses. Universities must have received at least seven nominations to be recognized in this category.
Bay Path has had a long list of innovative programs including the Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders (WELL), Center of Excellence for Women in STEM, and the Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense that prepares Bay Path students for future personal and professional success.
You can learn more about the 2022 U.S. News rankings by visiting their website.
About Bay Path University
Bay Path University was founded in 1897. Bay Path’s enrolled population of over 3,000 includes traditional undergraduates; adult women at The American Women's College, the first all-women, all-online accredited degree program in the country; and women and men master’s and doctoral students. Bay Path’s goal is to give students confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.