UA and JBU Maintain ‘Best College’ Rankings

Both the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and Siloam Springs’ John Brown University have received recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges” survey.

The UA remains in the first tier of national universities – even in an expanded pool – while JBU is ranked second among baccalaureate colleges in the South for the second consecutive year.

“It is always encouraging to see that the improvements we are making at the University of Arkansas are being recognized nationally,” chancellor G. David Gearhart said in a news release. “The annual U.S. News survey is primarily a consumer resource for parents and students, to help them decide which university is the best fit for them.

“Beyond that, like any ‘score card’ this helps us to see how we match up – the gains we are making and the areas where we still need to improve to remain competitive with the best universities and colleges in the country.”

The UA got improved ratings in freshmen retention rate, graduation rate and alumni giving while enjoying a two-point jump in its overall score. The university also continues to be included in the “A-Plus Schools for B Students” category. The list of 80 such schools are recognized as places where high school students who are “nonsuperstars have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving.”

Additionally, the UA’s Sam M. Walton College of Business was ranked 24th among public business schools and 42nd overall.

This year’s survey included 1,472 institutions, an increase of more than 1,000 from last year.

JBU, a private Christian university, was among a group of 96 similar institutions ranked by region and degree classification.

“We’re pleased the quality of our education has been recognized again in these rankings,” JBU president Chip Pollard said in a news release. “This honor affirms the hard work and commitment to excellence of our faculty and staff to fulfill our mission of Christ-centered higher education.”

JBU was ranked 12th in 2002 and 2003, and 11th in 2004, before moving into the top 10 in 2005. Each school’s score is based on peer assessment (25 percent), graduation and retention (25 percent), faculty resources (20 percent), student selectivity (15 percent), financial resources (10 percent) and alumni giving rate (5 percent).