RIVERSIDE, CA — La Sierra University has been ranked No. 1 in the West for Social Mobility in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges guide, released Sept. 22.

The university also moved up in several other categories. It ranked No. 10 for Best Value, up from No. 18 last year, and tied for No. 29 overall, up from No. 41. In a new category, La Sierra tied for No. 12 among Top Private Schools in the West.

The Social Mobility ranking measures a university’s ability to enroll and graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, which are awarded based on financial need. La Sierra’s ranking is based on Pell Grant graduation rates and graduation-rate performance.

La Sierra’s Social Mobility ranking has risen from No. 11 in 2022 to No. 3 last year and now to No. 1. The Regional Universities-West category includes 110 schools across 15 states.

“We are excited to see the university’s placements in the U.S. News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges guide,” said La Sierra University President Christon Arthur.

“The university is dedicated to uplifting our students and moving them forward. The Social Mobility category in particular is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff in living out our core values, in mentoring and supporting students where they are, and empowering them to discover and reach their potential.

“This direct, intentional care continues to be a distinguishing feature of the La Sierra experience and is often cited by our students in remarks about their time here. As a Christian Seventh-day Adventist institution, helping our students achieve beyond their expectations and grow in all areas of their lives, especially their faith walk, is what most excites us. We welcome all home to our table.”

According to U.S. News, its rankings draw on university survey data and federal data, including information from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. The methodology considers factors including graduation and retention rates, earnings by major, financial resources, and student-faculty ratios.