Jessica Bryant

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.

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

Jessica is a former data reporter for BestColleges.