
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.
Jessica now serves as a senior reporter on BestCollege’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
- Business Insider interviews Jessica Bryant on the impact of Roe v. Wade’s overturning on students’ college search.
- Forbes interviews Jessica Bryant on the impact of Roe V. Wade’s overturning on their college decision-making.
- Skift interviews Jessica Bryant on Covid-19 impacting students’ study abroad decisions.
- USA Today interviews Jessica Bryant on the rate of LGBTQ students considering leaving college due to mental health challenges.
- Bloom interviews Jessica Bryant on how to secure student loans.
- The Paul & Jordana Show interviews Jessica Bryant on what not to say to college students struggling with mental health.
Read Jessica Bryant's Latest Articles

Most Expensive Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
The nation's most expensive colleges have sticker prices exceeding $80,000 a year. But their generous financial aid offerings continue to attract new students.
September 15, 2025
Most Diverse Colleges in the U.S.
Attending a school dedicated to diversity can enhance your college experience. Explore some of the country's most diverse colleges listed in our guide.
September 10, 2025
Meet the 2025 BestColleges STEM Pathways Scholarship Winners
BestColleges awarded the winners $6,000 each to help fund their STEM education.

Average College GPA: Full Statistics
Your GPA is a composite measure of your academic performance. Explore average college GPA scores across demographics.
August 29, 2025
58 Companies That Pay for College With Tuition Reimbursement
From Amazon to Wells Fargo, here are companies that provide tuition assistance to U.S. employees.
August 25, 2025