UHD Recognized For Social Mobility Efforts by U.S. News and World Report
The University of Houston-Downtown’s efforts in providing pathways for student success earned recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings.
UHD emerged among the region’s top 50 institutions supporting students’ social mobility. Ranked at No. 32 among the publications’ Top Performers on Social Mobility, UHD was commended for its commitment to those learning populations from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
UHD social mobility initiatives focused on providing positive college experiences and academic success include programs within the University College including the Gator Success Center, which provides assistance and opportunities for all freshman and sophomore students such as peer mentoring, academic coaching and success workshops. Another successful program is the the Return 2 Complete program for those students have paused their education, but seek to return and finish their college degrees.
Additionally, UHD’s Talent Search program works in partnership with Aldine Independent School District students to assist them in graduating from high school and navigating their path to college. The objective of the program is to identify and assist middle and high school students who are mostly from low-income backgrounds and families.
“With the support and unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff, students are provided with the resources they need to succeed,” said University College Dean Dr. Scott Marzilli. “More importantly, they gain the skillsets necessary to successfully complete their college journey.”
UHD also is ranked within top 50 the region’s Top Public Schools (No. 45), moving up five spots from last year. In addition, UHD ranked among the region’s top 100 higher education institutions (No. 88).
U.S. News & World Report rankings are released every year and are compiled based on engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, expert opinions from academic officials and student excellence (master’s programs only).
These recent accolades complement the University’s previous recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Earlier this year, the University earned national rankings in the Best Online Programs in Criminal Justice (No. 30) and Online Bachelor’s Programs (No. 86 among 362 progams evaluated). Likewise, UHD ranked high among national institutions for its service to veteran students in those same categories.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
