U.S. News & World Report rankings: HU leaps in 'Social Mobility' category

Heidelberg University has had another strong showing in this year’s U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of colleges and universities. In its ranking for 2025, U.S. News lists Heidelberg as a “top performer” on its Social Mobility list at No. 21 – up from No. 26 last year. Holding firm, Heidelberg also ranked as a “Best Value” school among Midwest Regional Colleges and Universities.

Social Mobility measures how well colleges and universities graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants. In that category, rankings are based on two factors: graduation rates of Pell-awarded students and graduation rate performance comparing the six-year graduation rate of Pell recipients with non-recipients.

Overall, 100 percent of Heidelberg students receive financial aid. The Social Mobility ranking is especially significant because Heidelberg is committed to making a home for first-generation college students, many of whom receive Pell Grants as part of their financial aid packages, said President Rob Huntington.

“We understand that first-generation students need extra support and assistance, and we have initiatives in place to help them reach their goal of becoming the first in their family to earn a college degree,” Rob said. “It’s about more than just enrolling at Heidelberg. We work hard to provide opportunities to ensure every student’s success from day one until they receive their diploma in four years.”

One of the hallmarks of a Heidelberg education is the individual attention that each student 
receives, and that extends to their families who may be navigating the college experience for the first time.

Heidelberg prioritizes an individualized approach to making sure all students have academic and experiential opportunities that lead them on a path to great careers.

“Heidelberg continues to invest resources and support to ensure the holistic success of all students – traditional undergraduate and graduate students, transfer students, and adult students looking to return to college,” said Provost Courtney DeMayo Pugno. “Our rankings as a ‘top performer’ in Social Mobility and Best Value are the result of this investment and our students’ hard work.”

Once on campus, students utilize the innovative Owen Center for Teaching and Learning all four years for academic support and tutoring, advising and mentoring, and accessibility services. Students also take advantage of Heidelberg’s Four-Year Graduation Guarantee and the Four-Year Tuition Guarantee.

In addition to the Social Mobility list, U.S. News also gave Heidelberg high marks on its “Best Value” list at No. 27, unchanged from last year. This is further confirmation that HU provides a high-quality education at an affordable price. The “Best Value” list considers the percentage of need-based financial aid and the average cost after financial aid is awarded.

In recent years, Heidelberg has increased its academic scholarship offerings with opportunities including a Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship, the Choose Ohio First Scholarship for students pursuing STEM fields, and the Student Prince Promise Scholarship designed to support students with academic promise who do not meet one or more of the initial admission requirements.

Additionally, the University offers grant opportunities for out-of-state students, those from alumni families, and those from multi-student families. The TEACH Grant assists students pursuing an education degree in a high-need area. The Opportunity Grant is awarded is awarded to Prince Promise students, in addition to their initial scholarship.

Again this year, U.S. News listed Heidelberg in the top tier among best regional colleges in the Midwest, an indication that the faculty and staff continue to work hard to provide opportunities in academic programs that match student demand, as well as initiatives toward affordability and overall student success.

“Because we believe in our students, we remain committed to investing in opportunities for all students across the Midwest and beyond who want to pursue their dream of a college education, including first-generation students,” Rob said. “These investments in resources across the board are already paying off in increased enrollment, improved retention and graduation rates as well as employment opportunities upon graduation.”