Elon University continues its position of national prominence in the 2010 “America’s Best Colleges” rankings released Aug. 20 by US News & World Report. Again this year, Elon is named by the magazine as the top “up-and-coming” university in the nation on a list of 77 schools that are “leading the pack in improvements and innovative changes.” And in a new US News ranking, Elon is ranked among the nation’s top schools for its strong faculty commitment to undergraduate teaching.
For the third year in a row, Elon is ranked #2 among 117 Southern master’s-level universities, the top North Carolina school in the category:
1. Rollins College
2. Elon University
3. Stetson University
4. James Madison University
5. The Citadel
6. Loyola University New Orleans
7. Belmont University
8. (tie) Mercer University
Appalachian State University
10. College of Charleston
In addition, Elon leads the Southern region in the new US News feature on the nation’s top 80 colleges and universities where “the faculty has an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.” The ranking was derived from the annual US News survey of top administrators at colleges and universities nationwide.
“Focus on Undergrads” ranking – Southern master’s-level universities:
1. Elon University
2. Union University
3. Belmont University
4. James Madison University
5. Rollins College
Again this year, Elon was named more often than any other school in the US News feature on excellence in academic programs that are linked to student success. Elon is among the nation’s leaders in the following “Programs to Look For” categories:
- Internships
- Senior capstone experiences
- First-year experience
- Undergraduate research/creative projects
- Learning communities
- Study abroad
- Service learning
With recognition in seven program categories, Elon leads Stanford University, Duke University and Alverno College, which are each listed in five program categories.
Elon also earns US News recognition on the recognition for “Great Schools, Great Prices,” ranking #15 among Southern master’s-level universities based on a combination of academic quality and net costs for students and their families.
The 2010 “America’s Best Colleges” package provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of 15 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation rate performance (National Universities and Liberal Art Colleges).