Social mobility performance climbs to highest ranking in college history

September 24, 2024

The U.S. News and World Report announced its 2025 Best Colleges rankings today, and Ramapo College has proudly ascended to #10 in the Public Regional Universities-North category, positioning it as the #2 ranked public institution in New Jersey. Ramapo retains its impressive #27 spot in the Top Regional Universities-North category. 

“Ramapo’s ascension to be among the top 10 regional institutions is a testament to the impressive contributions of our students, faculty, and alumni,” said Ramapo College President Dr. Cindy Jebb. “We also know that much of what places Ramapo among ‘the best’ in these categories goes unsaid in these reports—our inclusive community, culture of mentorship, focus on student well-being, and unwavering commitment to develop the responsible leaders, ethical problem solvers, and empathetic change agents who are needed now and are essential to the future of our democracy.”

Ramapo College also saw an upward trajectory in several categories for 2025. Most notably, and for the second year in a row, Ramapo climbed in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category to its highest ranking of #119, up from #133 in 2024. The 14-point increase is testimony to Ramapo’s continued commitment to enroll and graduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“Ramapo is committed to breaking down barriers to accessible and affordable education to prepare students for success after graduation,” said Dr. Christopher Romano, vice president of strategic enrollment, outreach, and engagement. “We encourage and empower students to shape their own futures, as well as those of their families and communities.”

Another area in which Ramapo continues to make gains is working with veteran students, as evident by the 3-point increase on the Best Colleges for Veterans list, placing Ramapo in the top ten at #8. Earlier this year, Ramapo earned the gold award by Military Friendly™ for its commitment to veteran students through a host of support such as the Veterans Student Organization, dedicated veteran and military family advisors, and veteran aid program.

Additional outstanding rankings for 2025 in the Top Regional Universities-North category include the following academic programs:

• Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
• Best Undergraduate Teaching Programs
• Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs

The latest recognition by U.S. News & World Report adds to a host of honors Ramapo College also earned this year, including:

• Top colleges in the northeast by The Princeton Review
• #1 public college in New Jersey by College Choice
• Top 10 national public medium-sized college by Forbes
• A best college in the northeast by Money
• Top 8% best value college nationally by Niche 
• Gold award military-friendly college by Military Friendly
• 11 college of distinction awards  by College of Distinction 

The 2025 accolades from esteemed organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, and The Princeton Review, to name a few, are testimony to Ramapo’s continued bold ascension as New Jersey’ premier liberal arts college. 

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