Jessica Bryant

Senior Data Reporter

Contributors/Jessica Bryant

Expertise

DEI
Student mental health
Social media trends
Student political activism
National higher education data
Survey reporting

Education

BA Journalism, Southern Methodist University

Jessica Bryant is a higher education analyst and senior data reporter covering current education trends and issues impacting underserved students. Jessica joined BestColleges as a data reporter in 2021, primarily focused on covering the latest trends in higher education.

Career

Jessica now serves as a senior reporter on BC’s news and research teams where she writes and edits data-backed stories on student aid, student activism, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Jessica’s coverage of anti-DEI legislation and student protest encampments has been cited by top-tier news publishers like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Jessica also helps create BestColleges’ proprietary education surveys and analyzes survey data. Specifically, she has surfaced critical perspectives on students’ voting beliefs and campus speech.

She has a BA in journalism from Southern Methodist University and previously worked as a data reporter and researcher with the South Florida Business Journal. She has also served as a researcher for The Trust Project, an organization dedicated to setting ethical standards in journalism.

Media Mentions

Read Jessica Bryant's Latest Articles

These States' Anti-DEI Legislation May Impact Higher Education

There are currently more than 30 bills across the U.S. targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public colleges.

March 10, 2025

Fast Facts: Financial Aid

The overwhelming majority of college students utilize federal and non-federal financial aid to help pay for their education.

March 7, 2025

Cost of College Over Time

College costs have surpassed inflation increases over the last decade. Find out what's driving the price hikes, and discover just how much costs have risen over time.

February 25, 2025

HBCU Facts and Statistics

HBCUs enroll nearly one-tenth of all Black college students across over 100 institutions in the United States. Find a list of HBCUs and more HBCU facts in our report.

February 18, 2025

Colleges With the Wealthiest Students: Facts and Statistics

Middlebury College and other highly selective schools enroll many students from the wealthiest families. See what other colleges made the list.

February 18, 2025

Our Editorial Policy and Standards

Accuracy and editorial integrity are just a few of the values we at BestColleges pledge to uphold for the students who rely on us. We are committed to providing students with the educational resources they need to achieve their goals.