Union College has once again been chosen as a top pick for new college students by U.S.News and World Report. In the magazine's annual "America's Best Colleges" rankings, Union placed 46 in its category, Baccalaureate Colleges--Midwest. This is the third year in a row Union has been in the top tier.
The ratings rank schools based on 11 indicators of success, and Union's strong graduation rates, student retention and student-faculty ratio were key to its high ranking. The college really stands out in alumni giving, a number U.S. News uses as an indirect measure of student satisfaction. Union ranked third in its category and seventh out of baccalaureate colleges nationwide for the percentage of alumni who give back to the school.
"Union's top-tier placement by U.S. News affirms the quality and outcomes of a Union College education," said David Smith, college president. "Very little of a college experience can be measured in a spreadsheet, but it's heartwarming to be recognized for the work so many people have put into making a Union College education accessible, challenging and life-changing."
The U.S. News rankings are created annually as a service to parents and prospective students in selecting colleges. This year, 343 baccalaureate colleges, divided into four regions, are included in the report. The baccalaureate college category includes colleges that offer a range of degree programs in professional fields such as business, nursing and education with liberal arts degrees accounting for fewer than half of the bachelor's degrees conferred.