Portales, NM–Sept. 18, 2023– Eastern New Mexico University earned status as a U.S. News and World Report “Best College” because of its excellent standing in the recently published 2024 Best College Rankings.

Eastern New Mexico was ranked 70th of 114 in the social mobility category for regional Universities in the West. Social Mobility rankings focus on economically disadvantaged students who are less likely than others to finish college, even when controlling for other characteristics.

Universities recognized in this category are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants. Most of these federal grants are awarded to students whose adjusted gross family incomes are under $50,000.

“Social mobility is about positively impacting the socio-economic status of our graduates,” said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor. “Earning a college degree is a life-changing accomplishment, and we are proud to be a part of such transformations for our students and to be recognized for our efforts.”

Eastern New Mexico University was also ranked as one of the top 59 public Universities in the West and one of the top 120 Regional Universities in the West.

U.S. News 2024 Best Colleges evaluated nearly 1,500 U.S. four-year bachelor's degree-granting institutions on as many as 19 measures for its 39th rankings edition. These statistics only pertain to measures reflecting academic quality and graduate outcomes – factors that are universally important to prospective students. But also important are considerations that vary from person to person, like campus culture, strength in specific majors, and financial aid offered. To account for this, U.S. News supplements its overall rankings with specialized subject and cost-oriented rankings, customizable search tools, education journalism, and a detailed school directory with exclusive academic and nonacademic information.

For more information on ENMU’s rankings in U.S. News and World Report Best College Rankings, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/eastern-new-mexico-university-2651 .