Gwynedd Mercy University Receives Highest-Ever Ranking from U.S. News & World Report
Gwynedd Mercy University is proud to announce that it achieved its highest-ever ranking on the U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best College Rankings. GMercyU’s position as a national university jumped 71 places, the largest increase of any school in the region and the sixth largest increase nationally.
This significant increase comes primarily as a result of an outcomes-focused methodology adjustment made by U.S. News & World Report. This year’s rankings put increased importance on how well schools do at graduating students from varying backgrounds, including first-generation students, and how well those students do after graduation.
“This designation from U.S. News & World Report is a testament to GMercyU’s ability to prepare Distinctive Mercy Graduates who are committed to making a difference – in their lives and in the lives of others,” said Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD, President of GMercyU. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, being recognized as one of the nation’s top institutions is further confirmation of GMercyU’s dedication to excellence in all that we do.
GMercyU was one of just six private, Catholic universities in the region to be ranked as a national university.
In addition to being nationally ranked, GMercyU also earned a spot on the Top Performers on Social Mobility list. Institutions on this list hold advanced practices that help disadvantaged students finish college and lead successful lives. GMercyU is one of only 434 institutions across the nation to meet U.S. News & World Ranking’s social mobility ranking factors which include Pell Grant eligibility and first-generation graduation rates. At GMercyU, 60% of students identify as first-generation and 100% of first-time, full-time students receive some form of financial aid. This Social Mobility designation speaks highly to the University’s mission of preparing students to lead successful careers and meaningful lives in a global society.
The national recognition comes at a momentous time in GMercyU’s history. The institution is celebrating its 75th anniversary this academic year and is in the midst of a campus transformation. GMercyU will soon break ground on the Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Center – a future state-of-the market hub of healthcare innovation and education that will address the urgent need for more healthcare professionals.
Made possible, in part, by a $10 million transformational gift from the Maguire Foundation, the new academic building will provide students with access to the latest technology, such as a virtual environment for radiation therapy (VERT) machine, simulation manikins, and a new anatomage table. Here, healthcare majors will collaborate in interprofessional teams with Social Work, Psychology, Respiratory Care, and students in other majors to learn how to advocate for the “whole” patient, a best practice in healthcare.
Other campus enhancements include a newly renovated first-year residence hall, a new on-the-go market, and improvements to the Evans Road entrance to campus. In addition, renovations to the baseball and softball fields are near complete. The grand opening of the Frank O. Genuardi Legends Fields complex will take place this spring.
GMercyU remains focused on launching new market-driven programs and expanding existing programs. GMercyU has launched a number of new bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as Public Health, Speech-Language Pathology, and a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program.
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary and look ahead to our future, we are proud to see our legacy and commitment to graduating students who do well and do good be honored in this way. U.S. News’ change in methodology recognizes our commitment to living our Mercy mission,” D’Emilio said.