Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College continues to demonstrate academic quality with a strong showing in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2018 rankings of the nation’s best colleges. For the tenth consecutive year, SMWC ranks in the top tier of the rankings of “America’s Best Colleges,” listed at number 22 among the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest.
According to the selection methodology, the regional colleges focus on the undergrad uate experience and offer a broad range of programs in the liberal arts and in fields such as business, education and nursing. Also included are assessments of graduation and retention rates, student selectivity, faculty resources, alumni giving and financial resources. Most of the 324 colleges in the regional category primarily attract students from neighboring states.
Additionally, this marks the first time SMWC is recognized in the 2018 Best Value category. The College claims the 12th spot out of 77 institutions. This assessment is based on the ratio of quality to price, percentage of all undergraduates receiving need-based financial aid and the average discount. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included, because U.S. News considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically.
“We are pleased by this national recognition and the spotlight it shines on our liberal arts education – from the strength of our academic programs, to the value of our undergraduate experiences for students,” said Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.
This year’s rankings included reviews of 1,389 schools nationwide to assist students and their families in the higher education decision making process.