GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA — Gwynedd Mercy University (GMercyU) has surged 23 spots in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges Rankings, marking steady progress since its 2022 designation as a national university and highlighting a dramatic 73-place improvement in social mobility.
The rise reflects GMercyU’s growing impact in helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed, driven by expanding enrollment, academic innovation, and partnerships that connect graduates directly with high-demand careers.
“This recognition affirms the work we’re doing to create real, lasting opportunities for our students,” said Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD, president of GMercyU. “We’re growing with purpose, guided by our Mercy mission and focused on preparing students to meet the next great need with skill, compassion, and confidence.”
This fall, GMercyU welcomed its largest freshman class in 13 years, with first-year enrollment up more than 30 percent over 2024. Undergraduate applications and acceptances also hit a 20-year high, while nursing and health professions programs grew 31 percent, fueled by strong demand and the opening of the Frances M. Maguire ’55 Healthcare Innovation Center.
To help meet urgent regional healthcare workforce needs, the university has expanded partnerships with Penn Medicine, Temple Health, St. Luke’s, WellSpan, and Penn Highlands. These agreements provide students with employment and loan repayment opportunities, creating a direct pipeline of skilled professionals into high-need roles while easing financial barriers.
Beyond healthcare, GMercyU is broadening its academic offerings to address emerging workforce demands. New initiatives include a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, a fast-track three-year education degree, early-entry graduate pathways in counseling and education, and the Teacher Apprentice Program (TAP), which places students in classrooms from their first semester. The university also partnered with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to expand certification opportunities for paraprofessionals and emergency-certified teachers.
GMercyU’s climb in national recognition underscores its commitment to preparing students for success in both traditional and evolving career fields, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to education, healthcare, and workforce development across Pennsylvania.
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