Baruch College was named “the top school” on the United States 2015 Social Mobility Index created by CollegeNet. This is the first time Baruch was featured on this list, and so achieving the top spot is a great stride for the CUNY school.
The Social Mobility Index is an indicator of the economic mobility in the colleges throughout the United States. The SMI is computed with the consideration of: published tuition, percentage of student body, reported median salary 0-5 years after graduation, and endowment.
These variables are then sorted on a weighted scale and compared between United States schools. Each school is then ranked accordingly.
The Social Mobility Index is unique in that it redefines what make a college “prestigious” using unconventional factors that it feels institutions must consider. CollegeNet looks for low tuition, the recruitment of economically disadvantages students, and assurance that good paying jobs are lined up for students upon graduation.
Junior Angelina Reyes felt that Baruch’s rank was very fitting for the institution. She stated, “It’s no surprise Baruch made it to the top. With its low-cost tuition, Baruch is ‘the biggest bang for your buck.’ Students from all socioeconomic backgrounds graduate with little-to no debt, and they take away so much from the school- excellent education, an amazing support system, work experience, and so much more. I can’t think of a better place to be.”
The SMI differs from other rankings in that it is focuses on the problem of economic mobility rather than the words of college administrators, the amount of endowment money it collects, or acceptance rate it boasts- factors the majority of college lists pay the greatest heed to.
The SMI elaborates on the ineffectiveness of other publications that solely seek to “’harvest eyeballs’ and advertising dollars” (CollegeNet 4). What the lists fail to realize is that although institutions succeed that profit from publications’ ranks, everyone else loses: students, impoverished families, the nation’s economic and social stability, and higher education’s stance on critical thought and civic purpose.
The fact that Baruch was able to achieve the top rank on the list is no simple feat. The index details the school’s competitive tuition, median salary, graduation rate, as well as United States rank. It is the first of the three CUNY schools (City College, 5th and College of Staten Island, 6th) featured in the top-ten.
The Ivy leagues and other top-ranking schools that routinely top the charts of “United States Best Schools” were ranked at the bottom of the Social Mobility Index. Princeton (769), Harvard (875), Yale (855), Columbia (898), and Stanford (819) trailed for their lack of economic mobility, characteristic of their students.
Freshman Sarah Desanto felt that the fact these schools were at the bottom of the list shows a lot about societal pressure and opinions. According to Sarah, “Many people feel that the only way to success is going to an Ivy. However, they don’t realize that’s terribly wrong. Especially today, people should be looking at success from a financial perspective instead of solely on a ‘name brand’ trend. What’s the good of going to Columbia if you’re in so much debt afterwards. It’s a great school, but so is Baruch and you’re still on a path to success. It’s the way you make it, not how the school makes it seem. This is the best index I have seen.”
The SMI ranking has been alluded to throughout social media sites as well as individual school websites. For a complete list, visit: http://socialmobilityindex.org/.
