In the Wall Street Journal’s latest ranking of America’s Best Colleges, the news outlet named UC Merced the best in the nation for attracting and retaining low-income students.

Meanwhile, Fresno State earned the No. 4 spot for the same social mobility distinction.

“UC Merced is redefining post-secondary opportunity and excellence,” said UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sanchez Munoz. “For far too long, lower-income students, including those from our region, were told that a UC education was unattainable. But thanks to the tireless work of our faculty and staff, as well as our partners and supporters, that is no longer the case.”

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UC Merced No. 18 for Best Overall, Fresno State No. 51

The Wall Street Journal publishes its list of top universities and colleges every year. In addition to the social mobility accolades, UC Merced and Fresno State earned overall recognition. The Journal ranked UC Merced 18th for best university in the nation, up from No. 59 in 2023.

UC Merced also climbed 10 spots to be named fifth best among public universities.

Fresno State received recognition for student experience, earning No. 15 for that award, and No. 16 for best value. Fresno State also received a No. 51 ranking for best university among the 500 rated by the publication.

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Apart from the Journal’s rankings, Fresno State ranked in the top tier of the 2024 Economic Mobility Index published by Washington D.C. think tank Third Way. Washington Monthly named Fresno State No. 22 for top U.S. universities.

“At Fresno State, our students receive a world-class comprehensive education with the opportunity to engage in service-learning, high-impact practices and research,” said Fresno State President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval. “These skills and experiences result in a Fresno State degree that empowers and uplifts our talented students from the Valley and beyond to become emerging leaders at home and around the world.”

Social Mobility a Mission at UC Merced

Getting low-income students enrolled at UC Merced is a mission of the university, officials there stated.

Almost 60% of students are eligible for Pell Grants and 65% are first generation. Low-income students face unique challenges, so the university works toward providing resources to support them.

The university’s Center for Educational Partnerships works with Central Valley middle and high schools to prepare students for college.

Once at the university, the Calvin E. Bright Success Center provides a “holistic approach” to academic success.

The College Track and Fiat Lux Student programs also provide multi-year help with student achievement.

“At UC Merced, we routinely say that we don’t do what we do for rankings, but when you excel others will always take notice,” Munoz said. “We hope this recent acknowledgment will be yet another opportunity for people to learn about the exceptional culture of student success that has taken root at UC Merced.”