On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Education noted the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is among four-year institutions that excel at enrolling and graduating low-income students.

Students who qualify for Pell grants comprise at least 40 percent of the population at all of the schools featured in the report and 50 percent of them graduate within six years.

“We learned today that we were recognized by the Obama Administration as one of the top 20 public four-year institutions of higher education doing a good job of serving low-income students of all races, ethnicities, nationalities and genders,” Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford president, told The Era Friday. “It goes without saying that many of the students are from our local region. We’re delighted with this recognition for the great work our faculty and staff are doing.”

Alexander attributes the university’s success in serving low-income students to faculty and staff, who work closely with students during their time at Pitt-Bradford.

“First, we make college affordable by offering an array of financial aid opportunities beyond what’s available at most colleges,” he said, explaining campus-based scholarships bring the cost of tuition down to a level nearly comparable to state colleges and universities.

“Secondly, our campus has become very proficient over the years in assessing students’ level of preparedness for college work and developing the academic services the students need to enable them to succeed,” Alexander continued.

He said Pitt-Bradford emphasizes open communication with students and provides support systems and resources for students.

“First and foremost is our longstanding practice of communicating to students that we have confidence in their ability to succeed, if they work with us, follow our guidance and use the academic support services we make available,” Alexander said.

Those services include an advising center, tutoring services, writing and math centers and a Student Support Services federal program, according to Alexander.

“We also follow each student’s academic progress throughout their career at Pitt-Bradford and sound the alarm when we notice that students are failing to make satisfactory progress,” he said. “We work closely with all students who are admitted for study on our campus. Their place of origin doesn’t matter; if they’re accepted, it means we have confidence in their ability to succeed.

“Anyone admitted can succeed if they work with us and use the services we make available to them,” Alexander stated. “All students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, should be given the opportunity to complete a college education.”

He stressed the importance of serving low-income individuals seeking higher education. “The more education individuals of all backgrounds receive, the less dependent on society they become later in life and the less likely they are to end up in prison or involved with our criminal justice system.”

According to Alexander, Pitt-Bradford graduate rates have improved significantly over the years — even as tuition rates have risen across the country — because of the concerted effort from enrollment, to affordability and support systems.

“Admittedly, families are struggling to cover college expenses. For that reason, we go the extra mile to make our high quality education affordable for as many families as possible,” he said. “Indeed, our graduate rates have improved significantly over the years because we make college affordable and provide support when students enroll to ensure they achieve success and graduate in a timely manner.”