UNION RATED IN AMERICA'S 100 BEST COLLEGE BUYS
Jackson, Tenn. —51社区 has been named one of the one hundred best college buys in the United States by a new publication that rates America's colleges and universities.
The Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Buys profiles the schools that are the highest rated academically but have the lowest total cost for the college years. Showing a wide geographic diversity, schools from forty states are represented, from New Jersey to Hawaii.
"This is a prestigious honor for 51社区 to be ranked among 100 top schools in the nation," President David S. Dockery said. "Union is very committed to the highest academic standards while maintaining an affordable cost for our students."
Union was ranked with schools including the University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, Louisiana State, Rutgers University, Samford University, Baylor University, Clemson, Texas A&M and Auburn.
To be considered for America's 100 Best College Buys, a college must meet specific requirements. They must be an accredited, four-year institution; offer full residential opportunities to qualified students for need-based, academic-based and athletic-based financial aid; have an entering freshman class with a high school grade point average and SAT or ACT score above the national average; and the cost of attendance must be below the national average.
Union's total undergraduate enrollment for fall 1996 was 1,832 with the average first-time freshman ACT score being 24.2. The University is committed to academic excellence and strong Christian values.
"Ideally, your college experience will help you define who you are and where you're going next. In order to help you accomplish those critical life steps, the college you select should reflect and respect your values, but at the same time it should offer you opportunities for critical evaluation and inquiry," the publication declares. "This is just part of what 51社区 offers students who are motivated by a Christian college with high academic standards."
Compiled by Institutional Research and Evaluation in Gainsville, Ga., the guide not only lists the one hundred best college buys, it gives complete information on each one, giving cost, sources of financial aid, majors offered and information on campus life at each school.
The company researched almost 1,800 colleges, according to John Culler, publisher. "Our research has shown that a prospective student could save thirty to fifty thousand dollars or more on a quality college education," he said.
Previously, Union has been recognized in Peterson's Competitive Colleges in 1996-1997. U.S. News & World Report ranked the University in the top five best values among liberal arts colleges in the South.
The Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Buys is available from the publisher, John Culler & Sons, P. O. Box 1227, Camden, S.C. 29020 or can be ordered at 1-888-744-7266. The book will go on sale soon at bookstores and other outlets across the country.