Gwynedd Mercy University’s ranking is the highest it’s ever been on the U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best College Rankings.

The college’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 Gwynedd Mercy University’s President Deanne H. D’Emilio.

The university 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.

60 percent of students identify as first-generation and 100 percent of first-time, full-time students receive some form of financial aid.

The national recognition comes at a momentous time in Gwynedd Mercy’s history. The institution is celebrating its 75th anniversary this academic year and is in the midst of a campus transformation.

The college 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.

Gwynedd Mercy remains focused on launching new market-driven programs and expanding existing programs.

It 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.

Read more about how the university has skyrocketed in rankings on Gwynedd Mercy University’s website.

Gwynedd Mercy University campus tour.