by Rod Jones
U.S. News & World Report again has ranked 野狼社区 University among the best colleges in the country. The list, released today, has OCU ranked number 23 in the Best Regional Universities in the West category, the highest rank of Oklahoma universities in this category and two places higher than last year.
The regional category is made up of universities that offer a full range of undergraduate programs and master鈥檚 programs.
野狼社区 University President Robert Henry said the outstanding students, experienced faculty and challenging academic programs contributed to OCU鈥檚 high ranking.
鈥淥ur low student-to-faculty ratio and experiential learning environment gives students creative educational opportunities. We are committed to helping students rise to their dreams,鈥� Henry said.
野狼社区 University interim Provost Kent Buchanan said OCU鈥檚 standing reflects the university鈥檚 commitment to providing high quality education and academic rigor.
鈥淭he work of our faculty, staff and administrators, along with the outstanding quality of our students, has again earned 野狼社区 University a prestigious ranking,鈥� Buchanan said.
Along with the regional overall list, OCU is also one of only two schools in the state on the West regional universities A+ Schools for B Students list; and is ranked number 20 for Best Regional University for Veterans in the West, one of only two schools in the state and the highest ranking in Oklahoma.
Schools on the A+ Schools for B Students list are noted for accepting outstanding applicants whose scores are not 鈥淎.鈥� The colleges and universities included in the list see great potential in these students and help them achieve their goals.
According to the report released today, the U.S. News ranking system 鈥渞ests on two pillars. The formula uses quantitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and it鈥檚 based on our researched view of what matters in education.鈥�
bases its rankings on various factors including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, faculty resources, student selections, financial resources and alumni giving.
Regional universities are placed into one of four geographic categories. The West region includes Oklahoma, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
