Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has gained national recognition for its success in helping economically disadvantaged students achieve higher education. The institution recently secured the No. 54 position in the U.S. News & World Report's 2026 list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, marking its second major national accolade this year.
This ranking specifically acknowledges colleges that are effective at enrolling and graduating a significant number of students who receive federal Pell Grants. These grants are a key indicator of economic need, typically awarded to students from families with an adjusted gross income below $50,000.
Key Takeaways
- Lakeland University ranked No. 54 nationally for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report.
- The university was also named a Carnegie Opportunity College earlier in the year for expanding student access.
- Key initiatives include the Cooperative Education program, which combines work and study, and the Lakeland Promise, which covers tuition for eligible students.
- Students in the Co-Op program have saved over 25% on student loans compared to peers at other Wisconsin schools.
A Focus on Economic Opportunity
Lakeland University's recent placement in the U.S. News & World Report rankings highlights a core part of its mission: advancing social mobility. This metric evaluates how well schools serve low-income students by tracking their enrollment and graduation rates. By succeeding in this area, Lakeland demonstrates a commitment to making a college degree accessible to individuals regardless of their financial background.
This achievement is not an isolated event. In May, the university was also designated as a Carnegie Opportunity College. This title recognizes institutions that broaden access to higher education for students from all backgrounds and deliver strong post-graduation outcomes, such as higher earning potential.
What Are Pell Grants?
Federal Pell Grants are provided to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. The amount a student can receive depends on their financial need, the cost of attendance, and their enrollment status. For many students, these grants are the foundation of their financial aid package, making a college education possible.
Lakeland President Beth Borgen stated that the university's success is the result of deliberate and innovative programs designed to break down financial barriers. These initiatives are central to the university's strategy for student support and affordability.
The Cooperative Education Program
One of the cornerstone initiatives at Lakeland is its Cooperative Education (Co-Op) program. Launched in 2018, this model integrates professional work experience directly into the academic curriculum. Students can work in full-time or part-time positions with partner companies while earning academic credit.
The program is designed to provide more than just a paycheck. Students gain valuable real-world experience, build professional networks, and apply their classroom learning in a practical setting. A significant benefit is that many students use their earnings to directly pay for tuition, reducing their reliance on student loans.
Co-Op Program by the Numbers
- Placements: Over 3,500 since 2018
- Work Hours: More than 668,000 hours completed by students
- Academic Credits: Nearly 12,500 credits earned
- Financial Impact: Students have saved more than 25% in student loans compared to graduates from other Wisconsin institutions.
This hands-on approach positions students for financial independence upon graduation. By minimizing debt and providing relevant job experience, the Co-Op program gives Lakeland graduates a competitive advantage in the job market.
Making College Affordable with The Lakeland Promise
In addition to the Co-Op model, the university has implemented The Lakeland Promise, a groundbreaking financial aid program. Lakeland was the first private college in Wisconsin to introduce a program of this nature, which offers a straightforward commitment to affordability.
The Lakeland Promise guarantees that 100% of tuition and fees will be covered for Wisconsin students whose families have an adjusted gross income of less than $80,000. This coverage extends through graduation, providing students and their families with financial predictability and peace of mind.
Setting a New Standard in Wisconsin
What makes The Lakeland Promise particularly noteworthy is its eligibility threshold. The $80,000 adjusted gross family income limit is the highest of any similar program offered in the state of Wisconsin. This wider eligibility net allows more middle-class families to benefit, addressing the growing concern over college affordability for those who may not qualify for traditional low-income aid but still struggle with the cost of tuition.
This program directly addresses the financial obstacles that can prevent talented students from pursuing a bachelor's degree. By removing tuition as a barrier, Lakeland aims to attract and retain a diverse student body from across the state.
A Commitment to Student-Centered Education
The university's strategy extends beyond these two flagship programs. Lakeland has also cultivated strong partnerships with several of Wisconsin's technical colleges. These agreements create seamless transfer pathways, allowing students who earn a two-year associate degree to easily transition to Lakeland to complete their bachelor's degree without losing credits or time.
President Borgen emphasized the institution's ongoing dedication to this mission.
"Our commitment to removing the barriers for students of all ages to pursue the dream of a college education is clear. We will continue to find ways to partner and develop innovative approaches that position Lakeland as a student-centered community resource and problem solver."
According to the university, this holistic approach—combining work-based learning, direct financial aid, and strategic partnerships—is what drives its success. By focusing on practical solutions to the challenges of college access and affordability, Lakeland University continues to establish itself as a leader in creating educational opportunities in Wisconsin and beyond.
