John Brown University tops list as ‘Best Value’

SILOAM SPRINGS — John Brown University was ranked the No. 1 “Best Value” in the U.S. News and World Report 2013 Best Colleges Edition among its peers in the South.Overall, JBU ranked the No. 2 Best College among the 107 regional colleges in the South. This was ninth consecutive time the local university made the top 10 list.

“Since its founding, one of JBU’s core values has been to provide the highest quality education at the most affordable cost, so we’re gratified to see U.S. News recognize the exceptional value of a JBU education,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “We are especially grateful to our alumni and friends who have given faithfully year after year to help support affordable tuition for our students.”

Dr. Ed Ericson, vice president for academic affairs, said that JBU’s high graduate rate, smaller class size and high-ranking incoming freshman continue to contribute to the school’s high ranking. With 69% of JBU freshmen in the top 25% of their high school class, the college ranks No. 1 among its peers in attracting top quartile students.

“JBU’s faculty continue to deliver outstanding educational programs for our students. I am proud of the work they do, and the high ranking on the U.S. News Best College list is well deserved,” said Dr. Ericson. “More importantly, our students continue to impress us with their successes.”

JBU has enjoyed tremendous momentum over the past few years, which has continued to contribute to university’s advancement. The university will release its highest-ever enrollment figures later this week. The university recently broke ground on $8 million of new construction projects, including the Simmons Great Hall and the Northslope Apartments.

Last year, JBU completed its record-breaking $118 million Keeping Faith Campaign, ending with $18 million over the original goal and one year early. JBU students recently swept the prestigious Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup competition, with its student teams taking first and second place.

U.S. NEWS ARKANSAS SCHOOL RANKINGS
Southern Regional Colleges (107)
John Brown University  No. 2
University of the Ozarks No. 9,
Williams Baptist College No. 55
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff  No.72
Philander Smith College No. 79
University of Arkansas Fort Smith No. 82

Regional Universities (128)
Harding University No.20
Arkansas State University No. 56
Henderson State No. 95

National Liberal Arts Colleges (239)
Hendrix College No. 70
Lyon College No. 156
Ouachita Baptist No. 170

National Universities (270)
University of Arkansas Fayetteville No. 134