Mount Saint Vincent Featured by U.S. Department of Education
4/6/2016
Only private institution in country to be recognized for mission to serve high-needs students
Riverdale, N.Y. – The University of Mount Saint Vincent was cited for its commitment to improving college completion rates through innovative strategies for low-income and underrepresented students in the U.S. Department of Education’s latest study, Fulfilling the Promise, Serving the Need: Advancing College Opportunity for Low-Income Students. The Mount was one of just five colleges and universities—and the only private, independent institution—to be recognized for its mission to serve economically disadvantaged students.
“We are pleased to be honored by the U.S. Department of Education for our effectiveness in transforming the lives of students from high-need backgrounds,” says President Charles L. Flynn, Jr. “It is interesting that we are the only private institution included in the listing, but it is also a point of institutional pride. We stand out in the crowd.”
The Mount, which is celebrated as one of five “Institutions with Missions to Serve Economically Disadvantaged Students,” is categorized with three HBCUs and one public university, all of which are recognized for their history of serving high-need students, with strong records of student completion and attainment.
“We consistently serve students of every background, not only the wealthy, but also those with modest financial means,” says Dr. Flynn. “Every student needs a high-quality education to turn potential into opportunity. We are one of the only diverse colleges in the U.S. still supporting the American Dream.”
Each year, approximately half of the College’s first-year students are Pell Grant recipients, and half of all students at the College are among the first-generation of their families to pursue higher education. The College meets the federal designations of a Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution. Data from the Department of Education continually highlights the Mount—recent reports show the College’s graduation rate is in the top 10 among HSIs nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Education acknowledged the College’s initiative for improvement through college completion rates and strategies to help students. By maintaining an integrated network of programs and services to promote access and success—including the Mount Access Program, a New York State Higher Education Opportunity Program, and an SSS/TRIO Program—the Mount continues to be a significant leader. The College also works to identify the strengths and interests of all of its students with such innovative resources as the Oxley Career Education Program, where students can persist and succeed by engaging in career development from day one of their undergraduate career.
“The value of a Mount education is increasingly recognized throughout the nation,” says Dr. Flynn. “The College is undeniably impressive. It should be a source of great pride as well that the University of Mount Saint Vincent brings together such opportunity and excellence.”
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.