August 22, 2008 – The latest issue of U.S. News & World Report/America’s Best Colleges ranks the University of Utah among the best national universities. The U came in 127th, tying with the University of San Francisco and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
The U.S. News rankings also showcase some of the university’s most popular programs. The magazine ranked the U’s David Eccles School of Business at number 65 in the country, tying it with eight other schools. The U’s College of Engineering came in at number 70 nationally, and the U’s Service Learning Program was honored as one of its “Programs to Look For.”
The 2009 America’s Best Colleges issue hits newsstands on Monday, August 25.
Engineering Dean Richard B. Brown attributes the national recognition of the U’s engineering program in part to Utah’s engineering initiative, which has helped provide new faculty, facilities, and infrastructure. “Faculty being recruited through the USTAR program will enhance Utah’s reputation in engineering and computer science,” said Dean Brown. “The University of Utah is working to improve the quality of education for its students and is steadily increasing the number of engineering graduates. We are doing our part to meet the huge demand for engineers in Utah’s growing high-tech economy.”
Service learning continues to shine as a top program for the U’s Lowell Bennion Community Service Center. The U was one of just 25 schools mentioned by U.S. News & World Report in that category. “The Bennion Center continues its success due largely to high student interest in engagement, outstanding service-learning faculty, committed community partners and an all-time high interest at the departmental level for deepening and institutionalizing service learning into the academic experience the university offers. Certainly administrative support makes all of the connection possible,” said Director Linda P. Dunn. Service learning programs are described by the magazine as those that require (or offer credit for) volunteer work in the community as an instructional strategy. What’s learned in the field bolsters what happens in class and vice versa.
The University of Utah is also being recognized By U.S. News for having an undergraduate student population with one of the least amounts of debt. Only 41 percent of students graduating from the U have some college debt, averaging $13,994. Parents’ loans are not included.
For a complete listing of the U.S. News & World Report rankings of America’s Best Colleges visit http://www.usnews.com/.