UNC Charlotte was recognized as one of the nation’s most innovative universities and a leader in social mobility by U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges Rankings.
“Innovation and student accessibility and success are at the very heart of all we do at UNC Charlotte,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “With the launch of our new strategic plan, ‘Shaping What’s Next,’ we are relentlessly focused on these initiatives. We are very pleased our achievements are recognized through these rankings.”
This marks the first year Charlotte has been identified in the innovation category, which is in its seventh year.
To be considered for inclusion, universities must be nominated by other institutions’ presidents, provosts and admissions deans. Universities on this list are those who have made “the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities,” according to the survey’s methodology. Only the country’s top 70 institutions, including tied rankings, are recognized.
Charlotte has continued to fulfill its goal of improving the social mobility of its students, rising to 47th nationally. This is a 15-spot increase over 62nd last year.
This ranking is reflective of a university or college’s efforts to support Pell-Grant-eligible students, typically individuals from houses with an adjusted gross income under $50,000, in attaining a college degree. Charlotte’s incoming freshman class was 35% Pell-eligible. The University also has a 63% six-year graduation rate for Pell-eligible students, which compares favorably to the 65% overall six-year graduation rate for all students.
Other recognitions in this year’s ‘U.S. News and World Report Survey included the University’s inclusion in the inaugural undergraduate nursing program ranking, highlighted as 58th in the nation. The undergraduate business, computer science and engineering programs continue to be ranked nationally as well.