U.S. News Ranks Ashland University as One of Top 200 National Universities

Online, September 27, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ashland University in the top 200 in the National Universities category in its recently released 2012 rankings. This is the first time Ashland University has been listed in the National Universities classification, which is restricted to universities offering doctoral programs and involved in research.

"I am very pleased that U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ashland University as one of the top national universities in the nation," said Dr. Fred Finks, president of Ashland University. "This recognition is a reflection of the University's continued commitment to providing a rigorous learning experience that provides students with the intellectual, social and career skills needed to excel upon graduation."

Finks said Ashland University is proud of its faculty, who are committed to excellence in teaching and to the pursuit of scholarship. "They take seriously the responsibilities of teaching and learning, but place equal importance on modeling what they teach as mentors. They help create an environment that is truly both supportive and challenging, and they are committed to helping students succeed and grow in every way possible."

Provost Dr. Frank Pettigrew was equally pleased with the U.S. News and World Report ranking. "For the past several years Ashland University has invested heavily in quality in the form of faculty, laboratories and facilities on this campus and I think we are seeing the results of this now," he said.

Ashland University was ranked No. 190, and the only other private institutions in Ohio that were ranked in the top 200 in the National Universities category were Case Western Reserve University and the University of Dayton. There were six Ohio public universities ranked in the top 200 -- Ohio State University, Miami University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, Bowling Green State University and Kent State University.

Ashland University also earned another distinction - being ranked the No. 173rd school in the country based on the High School Counselor Rankings compiled from guidance counselors nationwide. Ashland tied with Bowling Green State University in this position.

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges package represents a look at how more than 1,600 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of 15 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings 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). A complete summary of the methodology used to rank each school can be found online at www.usnews.com/colleges.

Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.