• Aston University is second in the country for social mobility for the fifth year running
• Rankings based on several factors including access to education, continuation and undergraduate outcomes
• The English Social Mobility Index is published each year by the Higher Education Policy Institute.

For the fifth year running, Aston University is in the top two in England for improving students’ prospects.

The English Social Mobility Index was founded in 2021, and each year Aston University has been ranked second.

It is published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and is compiled by London South Bank University (LSBU) whose researchers calculate the number of socioeconomically disadvantaged graduates and the ‘social distance’ they travel. They combine access, continuation and outcomes measures for undergraduates for all modes of study apart from apprenticeships.

Last year Aston University launched four ‘power skills’ designed to prepare students for successful global careers and navigate the exponential pace of change in the world. AI & digital, environmental sustainability, innovation & entrepreneurship, and inclusive leadership are studied by all new undergraduate students.

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University said:

“Aston’s ranking once again as second in England in the Social Mobility Index for 2025 is a powerful reflection of the enduring mission of Aston University — ensuring that ability and ambition, not background, shape a person’s future. Maintaining this position highlights the sustained impact of our commitment to widening access, supporting student success, and delivering strong graduate outcomes.

“Education has the power to transform lives, families, and communities. When students gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed, the impact extends far beyond the individual. That is why advancing social mobility sits at the very heart of Aston’s purpose.”

The rankings take location into account when measuring salaries and use median wages by region data from the Office for National Statistics. This is to mitigate against the distorting impact of variation in earnings by region – accounting for the salary premium enjoyed by graduates in regions such as London.

Professor Antony Moss, pro vice-chancellor education and student experience of LSBU said:

“Despite the progress that has been made in widening access to higher education over the last fifteen years, long standing inequalities both in access and outcomes persist for many disadvantaged learners. Institutions need to do more, both individually and collectively, to close the access and outcome gaps for these learners, and I hope that LSBU’s Social Mobility Index continues to provide a helpful tool for universities to understand the efficacy of their approaches to supporting disadvantaged students.”

This year the University of Bradford retained the top place, and the University of Wolverhampton was third. Other universities in the top ten include the University of Salford, Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science.