ST. LEO – Saint Leo University ranked 117th among the 400 national universities for social mobility in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2026 rankings, which were released Sept. 23.
The rankings look at a university’s ability to enroll, retain and graduate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and help them get high-paying jobs and career success. This is often measured by the graduation rates for students who receive Pell Grants, compared with those who do not.
“Saint Leo has a long history of innovating to make higher education accessible,” President Jim Burkee said. “We offer unique programs and assistance to so many – students who may not have the economic means, who are the first in their families to attend college, and who are adult learners, pursuing a degree while working a job and raising a family.”
The university’s Retention Task Force supports students in multiple ways, including assisting first-generation students, academically unprepared students and others facing challenges.
For example, Saint Leo is expanding its Lions Empowerment and Achievement Program, which helps incoming University Campus students get a head start on their first semester. Previously, the program took place for a few days prior to fall classes. Now it will be a no-cost, eight-week program for up to 50 students, starting in the Summer 2 Term in 2026 (early fall), according to Anthony DeSantis, associate vice president of student affairs.
“We’re going to set them up and ensure their success throughout their academic career and offer resources and support,” DeSantis said.
Saint Leo also is conducting personalized outreach to at-risk students, including regular check-ins, academic coaching and tailored support plans.
“We just completed a call campaign and every [first-time-in-college student] was called,” DeSantis said. “We’re doing outreach to make sure they’re connected and doing well in school.”
The university uses a holistic approach to student success, making sure students are doing well not only academically, but also physically and mentally. Multiple departments are involved, offering students support.
Before classes begin, faculty members are prepared and given instruction on how to report students who may be having academic challenges such as missing assignments or classes.
The university uses Leona, a chatbot feature, to touch base with students. Using the Leona chatbot, Student Success recently surveyed first-generation students on their top concerns.
“It’s common to have anxiety, imposter syndrome, academic anxiety, concern about finances,” said Ben Forche, director of Student Success and Academic Engagement. “They’re also trying to connect the dots between what they’re studying and their chosen career. We help them see that and help them start preparing.”
Check-ins are made every seven to 10 days to ensure students are engaged, attending classes and feel welcome.
Last year, Saint Leo developed and implemented a Career and Life Plan program for students, which equips them to:
- Craft a personalized roadmap to achieve academic and career goals.
- Develop strong academic foundations through strategic course planning.
- Explore career paths aligned with interests and skills.
- Graduate on time with the “Finish in 4” initiative.
- Access resources to overcome challenges and thrive at college.
This year, student success coaches will meet with every first-year campus student, Forche noted. And the program will be expanded to include online students. Being engaged, involved and going beyond the classroom are key to a successful college career, he said. Employers are looking for more than just a diploma.
“My biggest advice is: Do not ‘autopilot’ your college degree,” Forche said. “You will be one of those students who graduates but cannot find a job. A college degree is a minimum requirement. Employers are asking ‘What experiences did you engage in during your undergraduate career?’”
