Mount Mary University was ranked one of the best colleges by the U.S. News and World Report for its overall growth and production of successful outcomes for diverse and low-income students.

This is the second year that the university has received high marks from the annual report, according to a news release from Mount Mary University. The institution ranked first in the Midwest region for ethnic diversity, third for both economic diversity and social mobility, and 19th for overall affordability and value.

“Mount Mary students have the highest probability of students at all regional colleges in the Midwest to encounter and study alongside people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds using a diversity index formula based on enrollment and ethnicity data,” the release states in regard to reaching No. 1 in the U.S. News and World Report ranking for ethnic diversity.

In ranking institutions for economic diversity – where Mount Mary University placed third in the region – U.S. News and World Report considers the percentage of students receiving federal aid through Pell grants, according to the release. To determine social mobility, the success rate of graduating Pell students based upon six-year graduation rates is considered, and Mount Mary University again placed third, indicating the institution’s dedication to not only accepting students with income challenges, but helping them to succeed.

In terms of determining the value presented by the education a university offers, U.S. News and World Report measures the ratio of quality to price; the amount of need-based aid, the percent of need-based aid recipients awarded scholarships or grants; and the average discount, according to the release. With all four factors considered, Mount Mary University was ranked 19th in the Midwest region.

Overall, Mount Mary University stands among the top half of all private and public universities in the region, according to the release. 

“This report indicates the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement,” LeeAnn Perkins, director of Institutional Research, said in the release. “Mount Mary is performing well and graduating students successfully, all while focusing on our mission of social justice.”