Concordia University, Nebraska moved to No. 16, up two spots, in the Midwest baccalaureate category of U.S. News & World Report's 2010 America's Best Colleges rankings released Aug. 20. Concordia continues its upward move in the rankings in recent years and maintains its spot as the highest ranked Nebraska school in its category.
"We are very pleased to once again be listed among the top baccalaureate universities in the Midwest," said Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich, president of Concordia. "The rankings highlight the excellence and value of Lutheran, Christian higher education available at Concordia University, Nebraska."
Based on its first-tier ranking and an overall score of 69, Concordia also compares well to schools in other categories and regions. Concordia Nebraska continues to be the top-ranked school in the Concordia University System.
"Our staff and faculty have worked tirelessly to make Concordia an outstanding experience for our students and to be recognized in this way is an honor," said Aaron Roberts, director of admissions at Concordia. "The exceptional support of our alumni and friends is also reflected in this ranking. Our high academic standards, alongside the Christian environment that our entire campus strives for, make Concordia a very unique and highly respected university."
Criteria evaluated in the rankings included academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity and alumni support.
While placed in the baccalaureate category based on the overall percentage and number of graduates in programs offered, Concordia also offers master's degrees in multiple areas, including a new MBA program.
Complete rankings are available online at www.usnews.com/colleges and in the magazine's issue on newsstands today, Aug. 20.