Keiser University has been named one of the top universities in America for advancing social mobility, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2026 Best Colleges rankings list. The honor marks the sixth consecutive year the Fort Lauderdale-based school has been recognized in the top 50 in the Social Mobility category, which spotlights universities that help students from various economic situations achieve academic and long-term career advancement in the workforce.
“We are honored to once again be recognized among the nation’s top universities for advancing social mobility,” said Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., Chancellor of Keiser University, in a release. “At a time when students and families are more focused than ever on the value of higher education, Keiser University remains committed to opening doors to opportunity. By providing an education that is both accessible and career-focused, we continue to empower students to achieve lasting success and upward social mobility.”
For its findings, U.S. News analyzed the success of college students receiving Pell Grants, or federal aid given to undergraduates in financial need, compared to non-recipients.
The list's overall rankings were based on 17 measures of academic quality for National Universities and 13 for National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. Metrics for the list included student outcomes, faculty resources, institutional reputation, class size, and per-student investment in instruction and support services.
According to their release, Keiser was 46th in this year's list. The school, which also has a location in West Palm Beach, ranked 22nd in 2025, 21st in 2024, 1st in 2023, 5th in 2022, 11th in 2021, and 34th in 2020.
“Keiser University’s mission has always been centered on student success and career readiness,” Keiser continued. “In today’s rapidly changing workforce, we take pride in equipping our students with the skills and experiences they need to achieve success in the job market. Our commitment to strengthening Florida’s workforce and supporting communities across the nation is stronger than ever, and these rankings reflect the impact of that work.”
Along with its Social Mobility honor, Keiser also earned a nod among the country's best 395 institutions in the National Universities category. The distinction, the school said, was due to its "ability to close opportunity gaps by offering targeted student support services and degree programs that align with critical workforce needs in health care, technology, business, and other emerging industries."
“As we celebrate Keiser University’s 50th anniversary, this recognition from U.S. News & World Report is especially meaningful,” Keiser added. “For five decades, our mission has been to transform lives through education and build stronger communities across Florida and the nation. This honor affirms that our student-centered approach is making a lasting impact, and it inspires us to continue shaping the next 50 years of opportunity and success.”
