University of St. Francis again makes top tier of America’s Best Colleges
The University of St. Francis once again begins the new academic year in the top tier of U.S. News & World Report’s edition of America’s Best Colleges. USF is ranked 29 th, of some 142 Midwestern master’s colleges and universities noted in the 2006 listing, moving up nine ranks this year.
"We’re very pleased to report that the University of St. Francis has moved up in the ranking," said President Michael Vinciguerra. "The magazine ranking is read by many prospective college students and their families, so we are excited that they will know that USF is again in the top tier."
The ranking is based on peer assessment by college presidents, academic vice presidents and chief enrollment officers as well as on self-reported data. It is, however, only one indicator of quality education, according Vinciguerra. "The faculty and staff at the University of St. Francis diligently works to ensure that our programs are student-centered to provide holistic education that prepares students for real world experiences in career and personal life," he added.
The annual listing gathers data from colleges and universities nationwide and bases its rankings on indicators of academic excellence; student selectivity, faculty resources, retention, peer assessment, alumni giving rate and financial resources. The University of St. Francis is listed in the top tier for Best Universities-Master’s in the Midwest.
The University of St. Francis has been in the top tier for four out of the past six years.
"We view the rankings as an additional way in which we can assess the institution’s progress in meeting its goal of quality education," added Vinciguerra. "We continually seek to improve in all of the areas noted in the rankings, and we expect USF’s ranking will continue to rise in the future."
The U.S. News and World Report listing ranks 572 master’s granting degree institutions nationwide, including 142 in the Midwest.
Area institutions that follow USF in the top tier include Lewis University and St. Xavier University (IL). Aurora University is listed in the third tier and Columbia College in the fourth tier.
The University of St. Francis in Joliet, serves more than 4,100 students nationwide with more than 60 areas of undergraduate study, including arts and sciences, business, education, music, nursing and allied health and social work. Twelve graduate programs are offered in health care, education and business.
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