For the third year in a row, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Aquinas College for helping students who face economic challenges complete their degrees and obtain jobs after graduation.

Aquinas tied for 48th on the list of Top Performers on Social Mobility among the 196 schools that were included in the list of national liberal arts colleges. The Social Mobility list ranks how successful colleges are by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students based on Pell Grant eligibility.

Among Michigan colleges, Aquinas is the top-ranked institution on the Social Mobility rankings for national liberal arts colleges. Albion College (91st), Kalamazoo College (97th), and Hope College (157th) also appear in the rankings among Michigan schools.

Aquinas supports first-generation college-goers with a student-centered academic approach, one-on-one faculty mentoring, and a commitment to being affordable for families of all backgrounds. Compared to other colleges, people who attend Aquinas tend to be significantly more successful about paying off any accumulated student debt.

"Following the example of our Dominican Sisters, Aquinas College is committed to inclusion and equity for all students," said President Alicia R. Córdoba D.M.A. "We will continue to make sure economic challenges do not impede success for our students."

Aquinas is also ranked on the National Liberal Arts College list, which includes schools that emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts field of study.