Aston University ranks second in the country for social mobility

For the fourth year running, Aston University has been ranked as the second-best university in England for social mobility.

The English Social Mobility Index is published each year by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) which measures the social mobility of graduates.

The rankings are based on several factors including access to education, continuation and the outcomes of undergraduate students the outcomes of undergraduate degree programmes. The index, which was established in 2021, also highlights that overall, all universities make a substantial contribution to social mobility.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said:  “It is extremely rewarding to see Aston University ranked second in the English Social Mobility Index for the fourth year in a row, resulting from all the hard work and dedication of our staff and students.

“Inclusion is at the heart of Aston University’s 2030 strategy, and we take great pride in Aston being an institution that delivers strong graduate outcomes that transforms lives, regardless of our students’ starting points.

“We focus on individual learning journeys, personalised end-to-end support and preparation for life and work, ensuring all our students, irrespective of their background, can access and achieve successful careers.”

In September Aston University was named the University of the Year for Student Success in the 2025 Daily Mail University Guide due to its impressive results in graduate outcomes, including high earnings, highly skilled jobs and proportion of students achieving first class and upper second class degrees.

The university holds the prestigious ‘triple’ TEF Gold award for its excellent teaching and was runner up for graduate employment in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024.

Meanwhile the University offers a range of assessments to meet student needs and more than 70 per cent of its students take up a work placement as part of their studies.

The index is compiled for HEPI by London South Bank University (LSBU) and their vice-chancellor Professor David Phoenix said: “The 2024 English Higher Education Social Mobility Index highlights once again that universities up and down the country are breaking down barriers to opportunity.

“The new Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, has been clear that she expects higher education providers to play a stronger role in expanding and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students.

“I hope, therefore, that the Index provides a useful tool for universities across the sector. Institutions making a strong impact on social mobility can use it to evidence their contribution while those universities that wish to increase their support for disadvantaged students can use it help identify good practice and to work out the most appropriate way of doing so in accordance with their institutional mission.”

The rankings include undergraduate degree programmes except apprenticeships.