With 93 higher education institutions across Michigan and 3,931 across the U.S., one of Detroit’s own was recently ranked among the top 50 universities in the nation.
As the 2024-25 academic year unfolds, University of Detroit Mercy is celebrating a momentous achievement that underscores its growing prominence in higher education. With the release of the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings, UDM soared to No. 43 in the nation, a leap from last year’s position, now marking it as one of the top 1% of universities in the United States.
The impressive ranking is not just a number; it carries profound implications for current and prospective students, the university and the city of Detroit.
Behind the rankings
This academic year is off to a historic start for UDM, with the largest first-year class in more than three decades. A total of 655 new freshmen students joined the McNichols Campus, an 18.7% increase from last year’s record of 552.
This surge in enrollment reflects the university’s rising reputation and the impact of its recent ranking.
“When we looked at the data, we saw a major increase in applications dating from the day The Wall Street Journal announced its rankings last year,” said Debbie Stieffel, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings are a comprehensive measure of higher education excellence, which focuses on key aspects like social mobility, salary impact and student experience. UDM’s notable positions in these categories reflect its commitment to providing value and opportunity to its students:
- Social mobility: Ranked No. 39, UDM has improved by nine spots from the previous year. This ranking highlights the university’s effectiveness in supporting students from lower-income backgrounds to ensure they graduate successfully.
- Best salaries: UDM is now No. 44, a substantial rise of 21 spots from the 2024 rankings. This reflects the university’s success in enhancing graduates’ earning potential, relative to the cost of education.
- Best value: Entering this category for the first time, UDM is positioned at No. 91, showcasing its commitment to delivering educational value.
These rankings not only enhance the university’s prestige but also signify the tangible benefits students gain from their education at UDM.
Higher rankings in social mobility and salary impact translate to better outcomes for students, which align with the university’s mission to provide transformative educational experiences.
Implications for students
For current students like Hisham Almadani, a third-year communication studies major, the rankings are a source of pride and validation.
“I’m grateful to be continuing my education at an institution that, time and time again, has proved itself to be one of the best places in the country for gaining an education and a degree,” Almadani said.
The increased recognition of UDM means students can not only expect a high-quality education but enhanced career prospects and a supportive academic community.
Several factors contribute to the remarkable increase in first-year enrollment, including the introduction of the Titan Edge program, which offers free tuition to eligible students. Additionally, the university’s expanding national and international reach, with students from 20 states and nine countries, reflects its growing appeal and the value it offers to a diverse student body.
A bright future ahead
The positive trend in UDM’s rankings and enrollment numbers is not just a statistic; it represents a broader recognition of the university’s impact on its students and the community. With ongoing initiatives like the Titan Edge program, the Detroit Mercy Eye Institute and various high-profile partnerships and projects, UDM is poised for continued growth and excellence.
President Donald B. Taylor encapsulated the sentiment well: “We are honored that so many of tomorrow’s leaders have entrusted us with their college education. It shows young people are looking for the life-changing education we offer at Detroit Mercy, and they trust us to deliver it.”
As UDM continues to build on its successes and expand its influence, the university’s upward trajectory promises to enhance the educational experience for its students.