

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.
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

College Enrollment Trends and Statistics: 2024-2025
While college enrollment has declined in recent years, new students and older learners have contributed to an uptick in enrollment this year.
August 1, 202510 Highest-Paying Bachelor's Degrees of 2025
Engineering and computer science top our list of highest-paying bachelor's degrees. Find out which majors make the cut.
July 31, 2025
First-Generation College Students: Facts and Statistics
Read about first-generation college student statistics, including graduation rates and typical financial aid amounts.
July 24, 2025
10 Online Fast-Track Teaching Degrees
Want to earn your teaching degree quickly? Learn all about how fast you can get a teaching degree online and find some accredited programs.
July 18, 2025
Best Accredited Online Colleges of 2025
We ranked online colleges for their flexibility, affordability, and student outcomes. Discover our top picks for 2025, plus resources for selecting a program.
July 16, 2025