IU Northwest scores highest economic mobility index in Northwest Indiana

Research conducted by national think tank Third Way evaluates higher education's return on investment

GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest was recently recognized by Third Way, a national policy institute, in their annual Economic Mobility Index (EMI) report as having the highest economic mobility index score — or strongest return on investment (ROI) — for students in Northwest Indiana.

Specifically, IU Northwest was featured within the top 20 percent of United States-based institutions for having an EMI score of 30.5 percent, a calculation that considers if a student can finance their education sustainably and receive a demonstrated return on investment from their college credential.

“The EMI calculation helps to contextualize which schools not only serve low-income students well, but also serve a large share of students with significant financial need in the first place, and thus are powerful drivers of upward mobility,” said Ken Iwama, IU Northwest Chancellor.

“As Indiana’s only public comprehensive higher education institution designated as an Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution, our EMI ranking further validates that we are truly transforming lives through a first-rate education that prepares our students to become our region’s future leaders, professionals and global thinkers.”

Highlights: IU Northwest's Economic Mobility Index

• Tier 1: IU Northwest is ranked as Tier 1, which represents the top 20 percent of institutions nationwide to have the strongest EMI.
• Highest EMI score in the region: IU Northwest’s EMI score is 30.5 percent.
• 2.73 years to pay down total net cost: IU Northwest students from families earning $30,000 or less per year will recoup the cost of obtaining their credential in less than three years, based on the net price they paid and the earnings boost they will receive from graduating.
• In good company: 36 percent of Tier 1 institutions are Hispanic Serving Institutions, like IU Northwest.

A different way of thinking

For years, various ranking systems have attempted to quantify the value of higher education in a simple roundup list. However, those reports do not always provide the full picture, often overlooking students’ financial needs, backgrounds or other competing factors.

Research conducted through the EMI report shifts the focus by identifying institutions that offer strong ROI for students with the greatest financial need — providing a real economic mobility outlook.

Third Way’s research evaluated more than 1,400 institutions nationwide using the latest data from the College Scorecard released in spring 2023.

Institutions are clustered into five tiers each made up of approximately 281 institutions. Tier 1 represents the top 20 percent of institutions on the EMI, Tier 2 between 20 and 40 percent, Tier 3 between 40 and 60 percent, Tier 4 between 60 and 80 percent and Tier 5 within the bottom 80 to 100 percent for economic mobility.

To learn more about the Economic Mobility Index, click here. A complete ranking of all institutions can be accessed here.