California State University, Bakersfield has been recognized as being among the top four-year institutions in the nation in helping students from low-income households graduate and transition into successful careers.
Nonprofit think tank Education Reform Now has ranked CSUB No. 20 out of over 1,400 colleges and universities in its 2023 Social Mobility Elevator rankings. CSUB also ranked third among midsized institutions with up to 10,000 undergraduates.
“When we’re out there making the pitch for higher education to prospective students and how it will change lives, this is one of those accolades where we can show that we are making an impact,” said Darius Riggins, director of CSUB’s new Student Access and Support Department. “We are producing graduates who will go out and make a difference not only for themselves but for their communities.”
The department was established earlier this year as part of the university’s effort to increase the admission and enrollment of students from underrepresented populations on campus and provide more support for them during their time at CSUB.
More than half of CSUB students come from low-income households and are eligible for a federal Pell Grant, which are awarded to students from low-income households.
The Social Mobility Elevator rankings evaluate colleges and universities on how well they support underserved students through to graduation. It is based on several factors, including admittance rate, the number of students receiving Pell Grants, how many of those students sustain to graduation and what their post-graduation earnings are.
Data for the Social Mobility Elevator rankings are drawn from two main sources: the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Survey and the College Scorecard.
Riggins said the rankings from Education Reform Now reflect the efforts CSUB is making to ensure underrepresented students graduate and go on to improve their economic fortunes. He hopes the rankings will encourage more prospective `Runners to consider enrolling at the university.
“To get this type of ranking lets you know that CSUB is doing some good work,” he said. “It’s important for people to understand they have a university that’s right in their backyard that will make a difference in their life and the kinds of opportunities they’ll be afforded.”
CSUB has received high rankings in social mobility from other outlets as well, including:
Click here to see the full rankings from Education Reform Now.
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