U.S. News and World Report 2013 Edition of Best Colleges
Hardin-Simmons University has earned a top tier ranking among regional universities in the west in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report. The exclusive rankings, made available for release today, include more than 1,600 accredited four-year schools nationwide.
HSU was ranked 43rd among the 89 best universities in the western region from 15 western U.S. states. Two of HSU’s graduate studies programs were also ranked among the best in the country, and HSU is included on the list of most diverse universities.
Over the past two decades, the U.S. News college rankings, which group schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be a research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.
The publication judges colleges and universities based on peer assessment scores, freshman retention, graduation rates, class size, student/faculty ratio, number of full-time faculty, SAT and ACT entrance scores, acceptance rate, and freshmen from the top 25% of their high school classes.
HSU president, Dr. Lanny Hall, says, “It is gratifying to receive the news that Hardin-Simmons has been ranked again as a top-tier regional university in the Western Region. We are especially pleased to be the highest ranked Baptist university in the Western Region.”
Points included in the report: HSU physical therapy post-grad program was ranked among the top 100 schools in the country, and Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing showed up among the top ranked nursing schools in the country. Also, HSU’s room and board is considered low, according to the publication, at just $6,804 per year, and graduation rates ranked average.
HSU is also included among the regional universities with the most diversity. According to the report, students at these schools are most likely to encounter undergraduates from different racial or ethnic groups. HSU has also grown significantly in the number of students from minority groups. Statistics show HSU is 13.5% percent Hispanic, comparing to 12.3% last year. African-American students make up 6.7% of the student body in fall 2012, compared to 5.9% last year. Asian students also increased from 2.2% last year to 2.7% this semester.
The U.S. News and World Report includes a breakdown of the popular majors at the institutions. The publication cites that 18% of students at HSU are majoring in business, finance, management, and related support services. Another 15% of students are pursuing a degree in education; 10% study recreation, parks, and fitness; 9% are enrolled in health professions and related clinical sciences; and another 8% study biological and biomedical sciences.
The assessment includes information about campus services and safety, stating, “Hardin-Simmons University offers a number of student services including non-remedial tutoring, placement service, and health service. Hardin-Simmons University also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.).”
This latest recognition from U.S. News and World Report comes on the heels of other recognitions, which include: Best in the West by The Princeton Review; an Honor Roll university in the Great Colleges to Work For survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education; and HSU is included in the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. HSU has also been recognized by Colleges of Distinction and is featured by the Center for Student Opportunity in its College Access and Opportunity Guide, designed to help low-income and first generation college-bound students achieve their goal of a higher education.
To access the U.S. News and World Report online go to: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/hardin-simmons-university-3571
Hardin-Simmons University, founded in 1891 in Abilene, Texas, is a fully accredited church-related Master’s (comprehensive) University. Affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas since 1941, HSU provides excellence in education enlightened by Christian faith and values. HSU offers seven undergraduate degrees with 70 fields of study and 10 graduate degrees with 20 programs, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Education in Leadership, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Pre-professional programs include dentistry, engineering, medicine, law, pharmacy, and seminary.