Concordia moves up in college rankings

Concordia University, Nebraska moved up three spots in U.S. News & World Report’s College Rankings 2014 edition in the “Best Regional Universities—Midwest” category making it the 11th consecutive year Concordia has been ranked in the top tier of the annual report.

“We’re proud we consistently rank in the top tier year after year,” said Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke, provost of the university. “However, we’re still most proud of providing our graduates with an excellent Christian education that equips them to succeed in the classroom and in their lives after college.”

Based on the first tier ranking and overall score, Concordia also compares well to schools in other categories. Concordia Nebraska is the highest ranked school in the Concordia University System. Criteria evaluated in the rankings included academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity and alumni support.

“Many colleges and universities today are questioning whether their institutions can be both sincerely religious and academically superior. The answer is yes,” said Aaron Roberts, director of admission at Concordia. “It's nice to have the U.S.News rankings affirm that.”

An institution classified as a regional university provides a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs. Concordia offers more than 50 majors and programs, as well as master’s degrees in multiple areas, including education, public health, human services, family life and an MBA program with 13 emphasis options.

Complete rankings are available online at usnews.com/bestcolleges. The print edition of the "Best Colleges 2014" guidebook is now also available at newsstands.