Oglethorpe University has been ranked #11 among National Liberal Arts Colleges for social mobility in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, placing the university among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions for expanding opportunity and supporting student success.

The national recognition marks a significant rise for Oglethorpe, which ranked #56 for social mobility in last year’s U.S. News rankings.

U.S. News publishes its Best Colleges rankings annually to help prospective students and their families compare undergraduate institutions across the country. Its social mobility rankings measure how effectively colleges enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, which primarily support students from lower-income households.

For Oglethorpe, the national recognition reflects the university’s commitment to making a transformative liberal arts education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Oglethorpe prepares students not only to build successful careers, but also to think critically, adapt to change and lead meaningful lives.

Oglethorpe’s commitment to access is reflected in its approach to financial aid.  99% of applicants qualify, need-based institutional grants and programs such as Flagship 50 and OU HOPE Plus designed to make an Oglethorpe education more affordable for qualifying students. These resources help open the door to a transformative liberal arts education for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

At Oglethorpe University, nearly 40% of students are eligible to receive the Pell Grant, and nearly half of students are the first in their families to attend college.

An Oglethorpe education provides a gateway to lifelong opportunity, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and perspective to make a life, make a living and make a difference.