Webster University Ranked Highest Ever by U.S. News and World Report
University rose three spots from last year.
ST. LOUIS – Webster University moved up three spots in the just-released “America’s Best Colleges” 2014 edition of “U.S. News & World Report” from 24th to 21st in the Regional University-Midwest category. For the fifth consecutive year, Webster University tops its category for schools in the St. Louis Area.
This is the highest level ranking that Webster University has received on a “U.S. News & World Report,” and this is the second year in a row that Webster University has risen in the rankings, moving from 28th on the 2012 list.
“Webster University focuses on providing programs of recognized academic excellence at great value with attention to students’ success,” said Webster President Elizabeth “Beth” J. Stroble. “Our talented faculty and staff continue to develop innovative and engaging ways to prepare students for an increasingly connected world that demands life-long learning. As this ranking news indicates, the quality of a Webster education and our reputation are growing as a result.”
“U.S. News & World Report” defines institutions in the Regional University category as those that provide a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs. Schools are listed among four regions – North, South, Midwest and West. Nationwide, 621 institutions are in the Regional University category; 147 of those are in the Midwest region. Institutions in each region are listed as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 institution. Webster has been ranked a Tier 1 institution for more than a decade.
Overall, Webster’s entire score went up in just about every category on the list, including graduation and retention rates.
“This newest rankings of Webster University by U.S. News & World Report is indicative of our investments in the best educational experiences for our students,” said Provost, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Julian Schuster. “Increased number of the full time faculty, relevant programs, personalized attention, and modern facilities reflect our commitment to serve the multi-talented student body.”
Earlier this year, Webster University’s online graduate education program was recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” at 27 among the 100 best in the nation, while its online business program was recognized at 62 among the 100 best.
The University also has been recognized by several other rankings earlier this year. This summer, “Forbes” listed Webster as among the best universities and colleges in the country, while “Affordable Colleges Online” listed Webster as having one of the top “returns on investments” for alumni.
“U.S. News & World Report” issued its first annual academic rankings 30 years ago. The magazine uses a protected methodology that calculates a school’s overall score based on numerous factors, including peer assessment score, student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni giving rate.
In this year’s introduction to the rankings, “U.S. News & World Report” says, “The host of intangibles that make up the college experience can’t be measured by a series of data points. But for families concerned with finding the best academic value for their money, the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings provide an excellent starting point for the search.”
With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses and a robust online learning program. Founded in 1915, Webster University’s campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional residential campuses in Asia, Europe and North America, with a campus in Africa expected to open in 2014. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.
Congratulations!