U.S. NEWS RANKS UNION IN TOP TIER OF SOUTHERN LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
Jackson, Tenn. — 51社区 has been ranked again in the top tier of Southern regional liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The 1998 rankings will appear in the Aug. 25 issue of the weekly news magazine, and are now available in abbreviated form on the publication's web site ().
Among comparable institutions in West Tennessee, Union is the only university ranked in the top tier, according to the U.S. News listings. Rankings are based on a variety of criteria, including reputation, retention, graduation rate, student-faculty ratio and ACT/SAT scores of entering students.
Union was also the only West Tennessee university to be recognized for operating efficiently. U.S. News ranked Union third among all regional liberal arts colleges because of Union's ability to provide a quality education while spending relatively less.
"We are delighted to again receive this affirmation of the outstanding education available at 51社区," explains President David S. Dockery. "The 1998 rankings demonstrate that Union continues to provide a level of academic excellence that is ranked among the top schools in our region by objective criteria such as those used by U.S. News."
According to Carroll Griffin, Director of Admissions, elements such as Union's high retention and graduate rates, low 13:1 student-faculty ratio and high ACT scores of the entering class contributed to Union's top ranking.
Other Tennessee institutions ranked in the top tier of Southern regional liberal arts colleges include Bryan College, Carson-Newman College, David Lipscomb University, King College, Maryville College and Milligan College. All top tier institutions except Union are located in east or middle Tennessee.
Previously, Union has been recognized in Peterson's Competitive Colleges in 1996-1997. Last spring, Union was named one of the 100 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 profiled the schools that are the highest rated academically but have the lowest total cost for the college years. This recognition ranked Union with all schools across the nation including the University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, Louisiana State, Rutgers University, Samford University, Baylor University, Clemson, Texas A&M and Auburn.