UC Merced has been ranked as the top university in the nation for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, reflecting its success in attracting and retaining students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The university also jumped to 18th place overall, up from 59th last year, and is now the 5th best public institution in the U.S. Meanwhile, Stanislaus State and Fresno State ranked 2nd and 4th, respectively, in social mobility, showcasing a strong performance from Central Valley institutions. UC Merced's demographics reveal that nearly 60% of its students are Pell Grant-eligible, and 65% are first-generation college attendees, underscoring its commitment to providing accessible education. Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz emphasized that UC Merced is redefining post-secondary opportunities for lower-income students. The Wall Street Journal's rankings consider various factors such as graduation rates, affordability, and the diversity of the student population.