It is proven time and time again that obtaining a college degree provides much more opportunity and earnings for people throughout their lives. According to reporting from the Associated Press, “College graduates, on average, earned 56% more than high school grads in 2015, according to data compiled by the Economic Policy Institute. That was up from 51% in 1999 and is the largest such gap in EPI’s figures dating to 1973.” Our economy continues to change and advance to a more technical, automated workforce, increasing the need for college educated employers.
With a college degree being a near requirement for economic mobility, students need a way to measure the opportunity available against the cost. There is an annual report that helps us do just that.
The 2018 Social Mobility Index (SMI), put together by CollegeNet, Inc., shows what colleges are doing to help their graduates find a place in the economy that leads to growth and upward movement. It measures the extent to which economically disadvantaged students are admitted to a college or university at a lower tuition rate, have their academic progress supported through graduation, and are prepared to obtain well-paying jobs. The goal here is to promote the public interest of a well-balanced economy with social mobility available to everyone.
A large number of SUNY schools were placed on this year’s list. See how they stack up against other schools in providing students good opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
- 29) Maritime College
- 35) Alfred State
- 36) Binghamton University
- 37) Stony Brook University
- 43) University at Albany
- SUNY New Paltz
- SUNY College at Old Westbury
- Buffalo State College
- SUNY Oswego
- SUNY Plattsburgh
- College at Brockport
- University at Buffalo
- SUNY Delhi
- SUNY Potsdam
- Farmingdale State College
- SUNY Oneonta
- SUNY Geneseo
- SUNY Cortland
- SUNY Cobleskill
- Purchase College
- SUNY Empire State College
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute
The importance and value of education to social mobility cannot be understated. It allows those from lower economic groups to obtain higher paying knowledge-intensive jobs.
Students from low income groups should be supported academically and encouraged.