by Rod Jones
U.S. News & World Report again has ranked Ƶ University among the best colleges in the country. The list, released today, has Ƶ ranked number 23 in the Best Regional Universities in the West category, the highest rank of Oklahoma universities in this category and two places higher than last year.
The regional category is made up of universities that offer a full range of undergraduate programs and master’s programs.
Ƶ University President Robert Henry said the outstanding students, experienced faculty and challenging academic programs contributed to Ƶ’s high ranking.
“Our low student-to-faculty ratio and experiential learning environment gives students creative educational opportunities. We are committed to helping students rise to their dreams,” Henry said.
Ƶ University interim Provost Kent Buchanan said Ƶ’s standing reflects the university’s commitment to providing high quality education and academic rigor.
“The work of our faculty, staff and administrators, along with the outstanding quality of our students, has again earned Ƶ University a prestigious ranking,” Buchanan said.
Along with the regional overall list, Ƶ is also one of only two schools in the state on the West regional universities A+ Schools for B Students list; and is ranked number 20 for Best Regional University for Veterans in the West, one of only two schools in the state and the highest ranking in Oklahoma.
Schools on the A+ Schools for B Students list are noted for accepting outstanding applicants whose scores are not “A.” The colleges and universities included in the list see great potential in these students and help them achieve their goals.
According to the report released today, the U.S. News ranking system “rests on two pillars. The formula uses quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and it’s based on our researched view of what matters in education.”
bases its rankings on various factors including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, faculty resources, student selections, financial resources and alumni giving.
Regional universities are placed into one of four geographic categories. The West region includes Oklahoma, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.