These Are The Best Colleges For Economic Mobility By State

In today’s world, a college education remains a pivotal factor in achieving economic mobility. For many families, establishing a college fund is one of the first steps toward securing a brighter future for their children—a pathway to the American Dream. We present a comprehensive list of colleges that excel at propelling students from low-income backgrounds into higher income brackets.

At Zippia, we’ve compiled data on the top colleges in each state based on the percentage of students who start from low-income families and achieve success in the top income brackets. Our analysis uniquely highlights institutions that not only support economic advancement but also focus on the upper echelons of success.

Notably, Drake University stands out among the institutions that have successfully transformed the lives of their students.

1. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology — New York
2. California State University, Los Angeles — California
3. Texas A&M International University — Texas
4. New Jersey Institute of Technology — New Jersey
5. Xavier University of Louisiana — Louisiana
6. Florida International University — Florida
7. Tuskegee University — Alabama
8. Dickinson State University — North Dakota
9. Savannah State University — Georgia
10. Park University — Missouri

As we navigate through economic challenges, the significance of selecting a college that enhances economic prospects has never been more crucial. A recent survey indicates that 60% of incoming freshmen consider it “very important” for a college’s alumni to be “financially successful.”

Vaughn College exemplifies this ideal, demonstrating its commitment to student success.

How We Determined the Best Schools for Economic Mobility

Our rankings prioritize the economic mobility of students at various institutions. The backbone of our analysis is data from the Equality of Opportunity project, which tracks:

• Mobility Rate — The percentage of students from the bottom 20% of income distribution who ascend to the top 20%.
• Upper-Tail Mobility Rate — The percentage of students from the bottom 20% who reach the top 1% of income distribution.

We also referenced the College Scorecard database to assess alumni earnings six and ten years post-graduation. While this data is informative, our focus rests primarily on mobility outcomes.

To ensure relevance, we excluded community colleges and institutions with fewer than 200 students in their entering cohorts, as these metrics are crucial for representing broader mobility trends.

A Note on New York

Each college on our list ranks as the top institution in its state. Remarkably, New York boasts four colleges in the national top rankings for economic mobility:

1. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
2. CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
3. City College of New York – CUNY
4. CUNY Lehman College

Although Baruch, City College, and Lehman are not featured on the map due to their rankings, they deserve recognition for their contributions to economic mobility.

1. New York

College: Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Became a One-Percenter: 0.6%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 16.4%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $53,000
Vaughn College leads the nation in economic mobility, boasting a diverse student body where over 90% receive financial aid, with more than 68% identifying as minority students. Their commitment to student success is evident.

2. California

College: California State University, Los Angeles
Became a One-Percenter: 0%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 9.9%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $43,000
Known as the fictional headquarters of Hooli from Silicon Valley, this majority-minority institution serves a diverse population, with a significant portion of students hailing from low-income backgrounds.

3. Texas

College: Texas A&M International University
Became a One-Percenter: 0%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 8.1%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $42,800
With a business program renowned for supporting minority students, this university is dedicated to fostering financial success among its graduates.

4. New Jersey

College: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Became a One-Percenter: 0.1%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 6.5%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $71,600
With a focus on technology-based majors and the highest median salary in our rankings, NJIT showcases its effectiveness in preparing graduates for success.

5. Louisiana

College: Xavier University of Louisiana
Became a One-Percenter: 0.4%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 5.3%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $48,400
Xavier students maintain high aspirations, demonstrating resilience amid economic challenges.

6. Florida

College: Florida International University
Became a One-Percenter: 0.1%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 5.2%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $46,800
As one of the largest colleges on our list, FIU showcases remarkable economic mobility despite its size.

7. Alabama

College: Tuskegee University
Became a One-Percenter: 0%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 5.2%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $38,900
Tuskegee University has a rich history and continues to uplift students from low-income backgrounds.

8. North Dakota

College: Dickinson State University
Became a One-Percenter: 0%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 4.1%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $40,700
Originally founded as a teachers’ college, DSU now excels in preparing business management majors for successful careers.

9. Georgia

College: Savannah State University
Became a One-Percenter: 0%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 4%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $29,400
As an HBCU, Savannah State University strives to prepare students for higher levels of economic productivity.

10. Missouri

College: Park University
Became a One-Percenter: 0%
Started from the bottom now they’re here: 3.9%
Median individual earnings around age 30: $43,600
Park University has expanded significantly through online programs and is recognized for its affordability and military-friendly policies.

A Quick Overview of Pay Rates and Job Placement Ratings

While no college can guarantee a job or wealth, many institutions pride themselves on their alumni’s career success and job placement rates. However, discerning the reliability of these numbers can be challenging for prospective students. Some institutions may exaggerate their statistics, making it vital to seek independently verified data.

As highlighted in a recent Hechinger Report article, some universities may misrepresent their placement rates, leading to a lack of oversight in reported figures. Independent salary and career information, including data from resumes, serves as a necessary check on institutions’ claims. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides impartial information to help support effective educational policies and is accessible through the IPEDS database.

Author

David Luther

David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.