Wright State’s Lake Campus ranked as Ohio’s best value in higher education – Wright State Newsroom

Report on Wright State University’s Value and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent analysis by financial planning website SmartAsset has identified Wright State University’s Lake Campus as the number one best value among all higher education institutions in Ohio. The Dayton Campus also secured a high ranking at third in the state. This report examines these rankings through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the university’s significant contributions to Quality Education (SDG 4), No Poverty (SDG 1), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).

Analysis of University Value Proposition and Educational Quality

SmartAsset 2025 Best Value Ranking

Wright State University’s campuses have been recognized for their exceptional value based on a comprehensive evaluation by SmartAsset. The Lake Campus achieved the top position in Ohio, with the Dayton Campus ranking third. The assessment was based on key performance and financial indicators, including:

• Starting salary for graduates
• Tuition costs
• Regional cost of living
• Student retention rates
• Availability of scholarships and financial aid

Alignment with SDG 4: Quality Education

The university’s high ranking is a direct reflection of its commitment to providing inclusive and equitable quality education. By balancing low tuition with high-quality educational outcomes, Wright State ensures that its offerings are both accessible and effective. Key attributes supporting this goal include:

1. Comprehensive Program Offerings: The Lake Campus provides over 30 degree and certificate programs, spanning associate, bachelor’s, and select graduate levels, catering to diverse educational needs.
2. Enhanced Learning Environment: Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and modern laboratory and classroom facilities, which foster an environment conducive to effective learning and skill acquisition.
3. Affordable Pathways: The institution’s commitment to being one of the most affordable pathways to a high-quality degree directly supports SDG Target 4.3, which aims to ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.

Financial Accessibility and Social Mobility Initiatives

Contribution to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

Wright State University demonstrates a profound commitment to reducing financial barriers to education, a critical factor in alleviating poverty and reducing inequality. The university’s social mobility initiatives have earned national recognition, including being named the top public university in Ohio for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal. This success is underpinned by a robust financial support structure.

• Targeted Scholarship Programs: At the Lake Campus, the Western Ohio Educational Foundation awards over $200,000 in scholarships annually, providing vital support to students.
• Support for High-Need Students: Nearly 40% of undergraduates enrolled in Fall 2024 were recipients of the Pell Grant, significantly exceeding the national average of 34% and indicating a strong focus on students from low-income backgrounds.
• Tuition Stability: The Wright Tuition Guarantee Program locks in tuition, housing, and dining costs for four years for new undergraduate students from Ohio, removing financial uncertainty and promoting equitable access for all economic strata.

Preparing Graduates for Sustainable Economic Futures

Fostering SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The university’s educational model is intrinsically linked to preparing graduates for productive employment and decent work, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth. The curriculum and campus programs are designed to equip students with relevant skills for the modern workforce, a key component of SDG Target 4.4.

• Strong Graduate Outcomes: The inclusion of starting salary for graduates as a key metric in the SmartAsset ranking underscores the university’s success in ensuring a positive economic return on education.
• Work-Integrated Learning: Strong connections with local employers are maintained through robust internship and applied learning opportunities, providing students with practical experience and facilitating a smooth transition into the workforce.
• Economic Impact: By providing a skilled workforce, the university plays a vital role in the economic vitality of its region, directly supporting the principles of SDG 8.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The entire article focuses on the quality, value, and accessibility of tertiary education provided by Wright State University. It discusses factors like high-quality degrees, student retention, and an exceptional educational experience, which are central to SDG 4.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article connects the university’s educational offerings to positive economic outcomes for its graduates. It mentions “starting salary for graduates,” “connections to local employers,” and “internships,” which align with the goal of promoting productive employment and decent work.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article highlights the university’s role in promoting social mobility and providing access to education for students from disadvantaged financial backgrounds. The specific mention of being the “top public university in Ohio for social mobility” and supporting a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients directly addresses the goal of reducing inequalities.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

   • The article directly supports this target by highlighting that Wright State’s Lake Campus was named the “best value among all colleges and universities in Ohio.” It emphasizes affordability through “one of the lowest tuition rates,” the “Wright Tuition Guarantee Program,” and a commitment to being an “affordable pathway to a high-quality degree.” Equal access is demonstrated by the fact that “Nearly 40% of undergraduates who enrolled in fall 2024 were Pell Grant recipients,” indicating strong support for students with high financial need.

2. Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

   • This target is addressed through the article’s focus on graduate outcomes. The university’s value is partly measured by the “starting salary for graduates.” Furthermore, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for success through “strong connections to local employers through internships and applied learning opportunities,” ensuring they acquire relevant skills for the job market.

3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of … economic or other status.

   • The article provides clear evidence of the university’s contribution to this target. It was named the “top public university in Ohio for social mobility,” which directly relates to empowering individuals to improve their economic status. The university’s success in supporting students with “high financial need” by having a higher percentage of Pell Grant recipients than the national average (40% vs. 34%) is a concrete example of promoting economic inclusion.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicators for Target 4.3 (Affordable and Quality Education)

   • Tuition and living costs: The article explicitly mentions that SmartAsset’s ranking methodology includes “tuition” and “cost of living.” Wright State’s “low tuition rates” and the “Wright Tuition Guarantee Program” are cited as direct measures of affordability.
   • Scholarship and financial aid availability: The article quantifies this by stating the Western Ohio Educational Foundation “awards more than $200,000 in scholarships annually.”
   • Proportion of students from low-income households receiving financial aid: A specific indicator is provided: “Nearly 40% of undergraduates who enrolled in fall 2024 were Pell Grant recipients.”
   • Student retention rate: This is mentioned as a key indicator used by SmartAsset to evaluate institutions, serving as a proxy for the quality and supportive nature of the education provided.

2. Indicators for Target 4.4 (Relevant Skills for Employment)

   • Starting salary for graduates: This is explicitly stated as a “key financial indicator” used in the SmartAsset ranking to measure the economic success of graduates.
   • Availability of work-based learning: The article implies this indicator by mentioning “internships and applied learning opportunities” that connect students to local employers.

3. Indicators for Target 10.2 (Reduced Inequalities)

   • Measures of social mobility: The article cites a direct, albeit qualitative, indicator: being named the “top public university in Ohio for social mobility” by The Wall Street Journal.
   • Proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds: The statistic that nearly 40% of undergraduates are Pell Grant recipients serves as a direct indicator of the university’s success in including students from lower economic statuses.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: webapp2.wright.edu