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Holy Family University’s Focus on Student Success Fuels Rise in National Rankings

A student at a poster presentation explaining her research project


Holy Family University has once again moved up in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, climbing to No. 98 among regional universities in the North. That’s up from No. 111 last year and No. 116 in 2024—a steady rise that demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment to student success.

This upward trend is tied to a shift in the U.S. News methodology, which now places greater weight on student outcomes such as graduation rates and social mobility. For Holy Family University, this change highlights what has always been true: students come first.

“We focus on our students from day one, providing the support and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed,” says Anne Prisco, Ph.D., president of Holy Family University. “The rankings show what our community already knows—Holy Family delivers strong outcomes that change lives.”

Advancing Social Mobility and Student Support

This success did not happen by chance. Under the leadership of President Prisco, Holy Family has implemented a number of programs designed to improve retention, graduation, and overall student achievement, explains Mark Green, Ph.D., Holy Family’s vice president for institutional effectiveness, technology, and innovation.

These programs include:

  • Tiger Launch and Immersion Days, which welcome and orient new students
  • An early alert system to identify students who may need additional support
  • The BLUEPrint for Student Success program, which strengthens study and life skills
  • Enrichment opportunities like the Honors Program, which challenge students academically

“We guide students throughout their academic journey, helping them build the skills and opportunities that lead to success and lifelong transformation,” says Bindhu Alappat, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs.

The impact of these programs is particularly evident in the social mobility category, which recognizes colleges that successfully enroll and graduate students receiving federal Pell Grants. Holy Family University made one of its strongest gains here, jumping from No. 61 to No. 43 regionally—underscoring its dedication to expanding access and creating life-changing opportunities for students and their families.

Recognition for Nursing and Teaching Excellence

Beyond its overall advancement and strong performance in social mobility, Holy Family earned recognition in two key areas:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (No. 427 in the nation) – The program surged 139 places in this year’s rankings. This dramatic rise underscores the strength and growing reputation of Holy Family’s distinguished nursing program
  • Undergraduate Teaching (No. 20 in the North) – Recognizing the faculty’s deep commitment to student-centered learning and mentorship

For students and alumni alike, these rankings are more than numbers. They affirm the values that define Holy Family: care for the individual, a focus on teaching excellence, and the belief that education opens doors to opportunity.

As Holy Family continues to rise in national rankings, the value of a degree grows stronger—enhancing the University’s reputation, strengthening its community, and shaping brighter futures for generations to come.