Social mobility performance also climbs to highest ranking in college history for the region

September 23, 2025

by Lisa Ambrose

U.S. News and World Report (USNWR) released its Best Colleges 2026 rankings today and Ramapo College of New Jersey, the state’s premier public liberal arts college, has proudly ascended to #8 in the Public Regional Universities-North category, positioning it as the #2 ranked public institution in New Jersey. Ramapo jumped an impressive six points to #21 in the Top Regional Universities-North category, another three points as a Best Value School, and climbed to #7 as a Best College for Veterans. Several academic programs were also highlighted, including an appearance for the first time ever on the Undergraduate Computer Science list. Nursing, Business, and Psychology continue to be acknowledged for their strength and value. 

Most notably, Ramapo broke into the top 100 with a 34-point jump to #85 for the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, the highest increase by a New Jersey institution. Such an increase is testimony to Ramapo’s continued commitment to enroll and graduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“Our significant rise in the rankings for social mobility underscores what we have always known to be true—that a public liberal arts education is a wise investment and one of the most powerful engines of opportunity,” said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. “The social mobility of Ramapo College alumni is a reflection of their focus and determination, the individualized attention provided by our faculty and staff, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Ramapo graduate leaves our campus equipped to shape their future, thrive in a changing economy, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

What is Social Mobility?

Social mobility refers to the ability to move from one social status to another. In the United States, this often takes the form of upward social mobility, improving one’s socioeconomic standing through education and career opportunities. 

The College’s strong commitment to promoting upward social mobility remains steadfast. A 2023 Georgetown University study by the Center on Education and the Workforce found that by 2031, 68% of jobs in New Jersey will require postsecondary education. Targeted programming and funding, such as the $1.3 million Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement grant to support low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students in STEM and other fields, and the $2.2 million Department of Education grant, which helps re-engage students who started but never completed college, are two examples of initiatives that directly support Ramapo students in earning a college degree and securing gainful employment. These programs offer academic counseling, faculty mentoring, research opportunities, help with graduate school applications, and more. 

In addition, Ramapo is home to the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program which provides academic support and financial aid for eligible students, making college more accessible for those who face economic and educational disadvantages.

The Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons houses the George T. Potter Library and offers a number of multipurpose spaces for students to gather and study.

Ramapo also maintains a strong infrastructure to support upward mobility, including the establishment of its First-Generation and Multicultural Student Centers, both of which focus on supporting students by offering specialized guidance and services. The award-winning  Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons consolidates academic support services, technology-rich spaces, and study environments, further supporting all students’ academic and personal success. 

The WeCare Program has several food pantries located across campus, making fresh and pantry items accessible more easily

Recognizing some of the barriers that prevent students from completing their degree might include facing food insecurity and homelessness, the College’s WeCare Program provides access to fresh food and pantry items through its  Food Pantry, professional clothing for interviews via its  Clothing Closet, a partnership with Laptop Upcycle to provide computers to students in need, and emergency relief funding to mitigate financial hardships students may confront, helping them persist and graduate rather than take a leave of absence and possibly not re-enroll. 

One of the most unique offerings for career readiness in  the nation is the Pathways Program facilitated by the Cahill Career Development Center. All students complete career assessment; resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile development, and interview practice as part of their degree requirements, equipping and empowering them for their career or graduate school paths upon graduation.

“Ramapo gave me the foundation to pursue my career in public service, so it’s a point of personal pride to see the College recognized for its leadership in promoting social mobility. Ramapo’s programs equip graduates with the tools to succeed in the workforce and beyond,” said Trustee AJ Sabath ’93, member of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees and president/CEO of the Advocacy and Management Group based in Trenton, NJ. “This recognition confirms what I’ve experienced as both a student and a trustee: Ramapo empowers students to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.”  

The Cahill Career Development Center provides student support and access to resources as they prepare to search and apply for jobs.

U.S. News publishes the Best Colleges rankings each year to provide prospective students and their families with the comparative merits of the undergraduate programs at America’s colleges and universities. The rankings offer detailed information of the institutions and data on factors such as graduation rates, graduate indebtedness and post-graduate earnings.

To learn more about the power of the affordable and transformative education Ramapo College delivers, visit ramapo.edu.