The University of Central Arkansas ranks among the top 30 public institutions in the South, according to the 2013 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The annual rankings were released Wednesday.
UCA ranks 26th in the category of “Top Public Schools” among regional universities in the South. Overall, UCA is 60th out of 95 private and public institutions that ranked in the category of “Best Regional Universities” in the South. A regional university is defined as an institution that provides a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
Universities in the “Best Regional Universities” category were ranked against their peer groups in one of four geographic regions.
“We are very pleased that once again the University of Central Arkansas has been ranked in the top 30 of public universities in the South region by U.S. News & World Report,” said UCA President Tom Courtway. “This ranking demonstrates this university’s continuing commitment to our students. We continue to provide our students with an excellent education at a very affordable price, and this ranking is a result of a high quality faculty, engaged in student learning, research and service, and supported by a staff dedicated to the mission of UCA.”
The U.S. News & World Report 2013 Best Colleges guidebook includes rankings of 1,600 institutions nationwide. The rankings are based on peer assessment; retention and graduation rate of UCA’s student body; faculty resources; student selectivity; financial resources; and alumni giving.
“It is clear that we have established a consistent track record for providing the very best educational opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Steve Runge, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Moving forward, we will continue to improve upon our successes, maintain our focus on our students, and strive to advance our institutional mission of academic vitality, integrity and diversity.”