For the first time in its history, Gwynedd Mercy University has been ranked as a national university on U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Colleges Rankings. 

Previously listed on the publication’s “Best Regional Universities” list, GMercyU has now ranked among top national institutions reflecting its full range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs and its focus on faculty and student research. 

“The news of this designation upholds GMercyU’s commitment to preparing Distinctive Mercy Graduates who make a lasting impact in the communities in which they live and work,” said Deanne H. D’Emilio, President of GMercyU.

“As we approach our 75th anniversary, joining the ranks of the nation’s top institutions is another example of the commitment to excellence in our long, treasured history.” 

GMercyU’s Doctorate in Educational Leadership program is the leading factor in the university’s debut on the national list. Since its launch, the program has graduated 264 students from 39 states and eight different countries with a 92 percent five-year graduation rate compared to a 23 percent national average. The program currently has 271 students enrolled. 

Additionally, 100 percent of GMercyU’s first-time, full-time students participate in real-world experience throughout their education as part of a program called The Griffin Edge. The opportunity to participate in internships, clinicals, student-teaching, research, and community service ensures students are career-ready when they graduate. A November 2021 survey shows 97 percent of recent GMercyU graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. 

GMercyU is currently in year four of a five-year strategic plan, producing significant achievements and milestones despite the many unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the university approaches its 75th anniversary in 2023, GMercyU is focused on launching new market-driven programs and expanding existing programs.

The school has launched a variety of new bachelor’s and master’s degrees in areas such as Public Health and Digital Communications, and added new concentrations, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Cybersecurity, within its Computer Information Science program.

In February, the university launched a new direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing degree for students with a bachelor’s in another field who want to make the transition to nursing. 

In addition to program expansions, the institution is embarking on a number of improvements to student-centered facilities around campus, including renovation of one of its residence halls, upgrades to the baseball and softball fields, a new on-the-go market in University Hall, and a revamp of its Evans Road campus entrance. 

Notably, the university recently secured a $10 million transformational gift from the Maguire Foundation to build the Frances M. Maguire Healthcare Innovation Campus — a future state-of-the-market hub of healthcare innovation and education that will address pressing healthcare needs and aim to improve access and equity for all.

There, access to technological advancements such as virtual environment for radiation therapy (VERT), simulation manikins, and a new anatomage table will converge with a compassionate healthcare mindset.

Healthcare majors will also have the opportunity to collaborate with Social Work, Psychology, Computer Information Science and students in many other majors as they learn to advocate for the “whole” patient, a best practice in healthcare. 

Read more about this historical ranking on U.S. News & World Report.