East Texas A&M University is among the nation's leading universities for advancing social mobility, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

ETAMU tied for No. 1 in The Texas A&M University System for social mobility, alongside Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The university also tied for No. 9 among Texas public universities and rose 12 spots to No. 86 nationally.

U.S. News bases its social mobility rankings on universities' success in enrolling and graduating students who receive federal Pell Grants. The vast majority of Pell Grants are awarded to students from families with adjusted gross incomes below $50,000.

“This recognition speaks directly to our mission at East Texas A&M,” said President Mark Rudin. “We believe ability, determination and hard work should open doors for students who are ready to succeed. Our role is to provide the education, support and opportunities that help students turn their ambition into achievement and build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities. That is what being Lion Made is all about.”

The recognition reflects ETAMU's commitment to providing an accessible path to a high-quality education and helping students transform that education into opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities.

That mission is at the heart of being Lion Made. At ETAMU, students can choose from more than 130 academic programs while receiving support designed to help them succeed from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Just as importantly, the university is strengthening the connection between what students learn and the skills employers need, creating more opportunities for students to gain relevant experience, build meaningful careers and contribute to the communities and economy of Texas.

ETAMU also earned recognition in several undergraduate academic categories. Psychology climbed 57 spots to No. 310 nationally, while nursing ranked No. 243, business No. 390, computer science No. 396, and undergraduate engineering programs at schools where a doctorate is not offered ranked No. 201 among the nation's top universities.

The annual U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluate colleges and universities across the United States using a range of measures related to student success and educational quality.