College soars 50 places in social mobility over two years and earns recognition for value, public education and academic programs 

September 22, 2026

For the second consecutive year, Ramapo College of New Jersey has made significant gains in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings for social mobility, climbing 16 places to #69 among Regional Universities North in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings.

The latest increase brings Ramapo’s social mobility ranking up 50 places in just two years, from #119 in 2025 to #85 in 2026 and now #69 in 2027.

The continued rise is particularly meaningful for Ramapo, New Jersey’s premier public liberal arts college, delivering on its longstanding commitment to creating access to a transformative education and helping students graduate prepared for their next steps.

“Social mobility is reflected in what happens after a student arrives on campus; the opportunities they pursue, the support they receive, and the confidence they develop as they prepare for what comes next,” said Ramapo College President Cindy R. Jebb, PhD. “Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to helping students turn their ambitions into meaningful futures.” 

Creating Opportunity, Supporting Student Success

U.S. News’ social mobility ranking measures colleges’ success in enrolling and graduating students who receive federal Pell Grants and face greater financial barriers to higher education. The ranking provides one measure of how effectively colleges are helping students overcome economic barriers through higher education. At Ramapo, that commitment is reflected in programs and services that support students throughout their college experience.

The College’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program provides eligible students with academic support and financial assistance, while the First-Generation and Multicultural Student Centers offer specialized guidance and resources. The Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons brings together academic support services, technology-rich spaces and study environments designed to help students succeed.

Ramapo’s WeCare Program addresses challenges outside the classroom that can affect a student’s ability to remain enrolled and complete a degree. Students can access resources including the Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, computers through the College’s Laptop Upcycle partnership and emergency assistance to help mitigate financial hardships.

The College also emphasizes what happens after graduation. Through the Cahill Career Development Center’s Pathways Program, all students complete career assessments and receive guidance in developing resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, as well as practicing for interviews. Students also have opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, faculty mentoring and preparation for graduate and professional programs.

A Strong Showing for Value

Ramapo’s gains in the Best Value rankings add another dimension to the College’s strong showing in the 2027 rankings. Ramapo climbed 10 places to #59 in Best Value Schools – Regional Universities North and ranked #11 in Best Value for In-State Students, a new category in this year’s U.S. News rankings.

In 2025-2026, the College awarded almost $21 million in federal and state aid, more than $1 million in Foundation scholarships, and annually offers merit-based scholarships, helping make a Ramapo education more accessible to students and families. 

The value of a college education is measured not only by access, but by whether students persist, graduate and are prepared for what comes next. Ramapo’s first-year retention rate of 87% is 15% higher than the national average*, reflecting the College’s strong student support networks. The College’s four-year graduation rate is 20% higher than the national average*, demonstrating strong on-time degree completion. Within one year of graduation, 87% of Ramapo alumni are employed or enrolled in graduate school. 

Ramapo’s value has also received recognition beyond U.S. News & World Report. In its 2026 study of America’s Best Value Small Colleges and Universities, SmartAsset ranked Ramapo #6 nationally. The study evaluated more than 1,000 colleges and universities with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates and identified institutions based on cost of attendance, graduation rates and median earnings 10 years after first enrollment. 

Together, these measures offer a broader picture of value: an accessible public college education, support that helps students persist and graduate, and preparation for employment or continued education after Ramapo.

Supporting Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

Ramapo’s commitment to veterans and military-affiliated students is also reflected in its #8 ranking among Best Colleges for Veterans in Regional Universities North. The College provides dedicated support for veterans and their families from the admissions process through graduation, including a Veterans and Military Families Success Team that connects students with academic advising, career services, financial aid and VA benefits, tutoring, counseling and other campus resources. Veterans also receive priority registration, can receive credit for qualifying military experience, and have access to a dedicated Veterans & Transfer Student Lounge and an active Veterans Student Organization that provides opportunities for connection and community.

Supporting military-connected students has also earned external recognition. The College was named a Gold-level 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School and a Military Spouse Friendly School. In addition, all veterans and military families receive the in-state tuition rate at Ramapo.

The 2027 rankings also include #9 as a Top Public School in the region, placing Ramapo at #3 in New Jersey. Ramapo is also among institutions recognized for undergraduate programs in business, computer science, nursing and psychology. These programs represent just a sampling of the academic pathways available across Ramapo’s four schools, where students can combine focused study with the breadth of a public liberal arts education.

The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings provide prospective students and families with comparative information about colleges and universities across the country, incorporating measures related to student outcomes, faculty resources, financial resources and other factors.

For Ramapo, the latest rankings highlight an institutional commitment that extends beyond where students begin their college journey, and focuses on where their education can take them.

*National averages are based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)