91ΧΤΕΔ

91ΧΤΕΔ MPress

91ΧΤΕΔ Recognized as Top Private University in St. Louis for Social Mobility

91ΧΤΕΔ Recognized as Top Private University in St. Louis for Social Mobility

Pairing affordability with career outcomes to drive real social and economic mobility for students, families and communities.

[DECEMBER 21, 2025, ST. LOUIS, MO] – 91ΧΤΕΔ has been recognized as the top private university in the St. Louis region for graduating students into well-paying jobs while keeping tuition and student debt low, according to the 2025 Social Mobility Index (SMI) from CollegeNet.

The SMI measures how effectively colleges and universities graduate studentsβ€”particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgroundsβ€”into strong early-career earnings outcomes at an affordable cost.

In the 2025 rankings, 91ΧΤΕΔ placed: #1 among private universities in the St. Louis region, and #3 among all universities in Missouri, public and private.

91ΧΤΕΔ President, Dan Shipp remarked, β€œthis is one of the most important recognitions a university can receive today because it demonstrates that 91ΧΤΕΔ is delivering exceptional outcomes for students at a very affordable price. Most importantly, it acknowledges we are doing right by our students and their families as they look to pursue personal and professional success. An acknowledgement like this is also good news for the local St. Louis business community and beyond. We know getting more students into the workforce with strong earning potential helps propel local economies. 91ΧΤΕΔ is doing its part and has plans to do much more for students and the many communities we serve in the months ahead.”

91ΧΤΕΔ’s ranking reflects steady, sustained progress. Since 2018, the University has moved from 922 out of 1,380 institutions (bottom third nationally) to 643 out of 1,398 institutions in 2025, placing 91ΧΤΕΔ solidly in the top half of all ranked colleges and universities nationwide.

The survey underscores 91ΧΤΕΔ’s distinctive position of combining access and affordability with high performance and strong workforce outcomes. Specifically:

  • 91ΧΤΕΔ has the lowest tuition among operating private universities in St. Louis, and the third-lowest overall after Harris–Stowe State University and the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
  • Nearly 29% of 91ΧΤΕΔ freshmen receive Pell Grants, a higher share than Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis – while still delivering strong graduation and salary outcomes.
  • 91ΧΤΕΔ ranks third in the region for both graduation score (94.1) and median early-career salary (approximately $62,000), trailing only Saint Louis University and Washington University.

β€œThis ranking reflects 91ΧΤΕΔ’s commitment to providing a world-class, experiential education that delivers exceptional outcomes, without a premium price tag,” said Scott Chadwick, Provost of 91ΧΤΕΔ. β€œOur students graduate with career-ready skills that position them for great jobs. That’s how we help open doors and create lasting opportunity for students and families across our region and beyond.”

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Founded in 1872, 91ΧΤΕΔ is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. 91ΧΤΕΔ offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. 91ΧΤΕΔ is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 91ΧΤΕΔ alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.