UTSA rises in the ranks in 2023 Third Way Economic Mobility Index

AUGUST 30, 2023 — Third Way, a national think tank, ranked UTSA No. 50 out of 1,410 institutions in its annual Economic Mobility Index, marking a significant move from No. 74 in 2022. The index assesses institutions that are promoting economic mobility for students through financial support, inclusivity in enrollment and student success efforts.

Third Way calculates rankings each year based on data from the College Scorecard and the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. According to Third Way, institutions that rank high on the list do so by enrolling large proportions of low- to moderate-income students while also providing a timely return on investment. Institutions may also undertake student success initiatives that focus on time to degree completion, equity and inclusiveness, and job security post-graduation.

“I’m extremely proud that UTSA is training the next generation of diverse leaders to tackle society’s grandest challenges by providing an inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can succeed,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “By many measures, Third Way’s index is the best method of assessing return on investment for our students and their families. Our rise in the rankings affirms our commitment to deliver a strong education that gives students a platform to launch generational change.”

“Economic and social mobility is among the many key metrics we use to ensure our progress toward our strategic destination of becoming a model for student success.”

Notably, of all institutions ranked, over one-third of institutions in the top 20% of the index—including UTSA—have been designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. UTSA is one of only 21 institutions nationwide that has been designated as an HSI and as a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

“UTSA’s commitment to increasing access to a college degree remains steadfast, and our upward movement on Third Way’s index is indicative of our core mission to serve all students,” said UTSA Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley. “Economic and social mobility is among the many key metrics we use to ensure our progress toward our strategic destination of becoming a model for student success.”

Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index marks the move from traditional university rankings, which are based on exclusivity, including selectivity and test scores, to a model of inclusivity. Based on Third Way’s introductory study in 2022, their model of inclusion incorporates metrics around how well a university serves its students, especially low-income and low-to-moderate income students.

Third Way is the latest organization recognizing UTSA’s return on investment. Last October, UTSA was among the Texas universities on the Bipartisan Policy Center’s top 10 list of the best return on investment.  Other ranking systems such as Washington Monthly and Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce are also reshaping how the market views higher education, placing more value on social and economic mobility metrics.

Additionally, organizations like Excelencia in Education are recognizing universities with the Seal of Excelencia for their work in creating inclusive environments where minority and underserved communities can thrive. UTSA was a recipient of the Seal in 2020 with renewed accreditation in 2021 and 2022.

— Kimberly Maldonaldo