UB has become a top school nationwide for economic diversity among students, according to a New York Times index released last week.
In the ranking of 286 universities, UB placed No. 28 in the nation — and eighth among public universities — for economic diversity. The study ranked schools on factors such as the share of students receiving Pell Grants, the majority of whom have adjusted gross family incomes under $50,000.
An increase in the proportion of students receiving the Pell Grant accounted for much of UB’s jump in ranking. In 2020-21, 34% of students received a Pell Grant, a 6% increase since 2010.
The No. 28 placing represents a significant improvement since 2017, when UB ranked No. 73 in the same index. UB ranks second among flagship public universities in this year’s index.
“In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-based admissions, this ranking demonstrates how top public universities, like UB, are committed to providing economically disadvantaged students with access to an excellent, life-changing education,” UB spokesperson John Della Contrada said in a statement on Sunday. “Doing so is an essential part of UB’s mission.”
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Sarah Owusu is an assistant news editor at The Spectrum. In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, music and talking politics (yes, shockingly). She'll also be her own hairdresser when she needs a change.
