Vaughn College is doing more than just helping students earn degrees. The College is helping these students achieve something that few other institutions can, which is to move them from the lowest income brackets to the very top. This is known as “upward mobility.” Vaughn is rewriting the narrative around higher education by helping students build wealth and security that can span generations. 

A Leader in Economic Transformation

At a recent lecture at Yale University, Harvard professor and economist Raj Chetty—a leading authority on socioeconomic inequality—called attention to the critical issue of declining social mobility in the United States. In a discussion that analyzed the factors driving this decline, Chetty spotlighted Vaughn College as a model for reversing this downward trend. Citing data from a study conducted by the Equality of Opportunity Project which ranked Vaughn as number one in upward mobility nationwide, Chetty recognized the College for its remarkable impact in lifting students from among bottom income earners to the top. Check out the video where Vaughn is featured in his lecture.

In a November 2024 report by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Academia in New York City: Shaping the Future of NYC’s Economy, Vaughn College is ranked number one in economic mobility in New York City—highlighting its effectiveness at moving students from the bottom 20 percent to the top 1 percent for earning income. 

The College’s consistent focus on career-aligned education, supplemented by its extensive partnerships with industry leaders earned Vaughn another notable recognition. In April 2025, Vaughn received a prestigious classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education by being named as an “Opportunity College and University” under the newly introduced “Student Access and Earnings Classification.” This classification recognizes institutions that serve under-resourced students and deliver strong post-graduation outcomes comparable to—or exceeding those—of their peers in the region.

Career-Focused Programs That Pay Off

One way Vaughn has achieved and maintains this impressive record is by offering degree programs that are designed to directly connect students to in-demand careers. Recently, the College added forward-looking degrees in computer science and computer engineering with focuses on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity—rapidly growing fields that lead to high-paying, stable careers.    

It’s not just about getting a job—Vaughn students land careers that match their passions and potential. Ninety-five percent of graduates are employed or continuing their education within one year, with 78 percent working in their field of study.* Alumni go on to join organizations like NASA, SpaceX, the Federal Aviation Administration, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Boeing and more.

Beyond Academics: A Community That Supports

Vaughn offers more than academic excellence. It’s a close-knit, supportive community where students are known by name and mentored by faculty. With a 14-1 student-faculty ratio, personalized guidance is a cornerstone of the Vaughn experience. More than 93 percent of students receive some form of financial aid, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to opportunity. And in a city like New York—filled with culture, commerce and career-building connections—students are immersed in one of the world’s most dynamic environments.

The Future Is Vaughn

In an era when college outcomes matter more than ever, Vaughn College has proven that an education rooted in purpose and possibility can change lives. By equipping students not just with degrees but with transformative career pathways, Vaughn empowers the next generation to soar. Apply today!

 

*Outcomes include data within one year of graduation for graduates who reported via survey. There were a total of 361 reported graduates in 2023. 239 reported an outcome for a 66% response rate. The 2023 graduate class includes September 2022, December 2022 and May 2023 graduates.