Best Regional Colleges (Midwest) - Taylor University ranked 1st

Taylor University has once again solidified its reputation as one of the premier higher education institutions in the Midwest by achieving the number one spot among the U.S. News & World Report 2017 rankings for Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest, sharing the position with Calvin College. This recognition speaks volumes about Taylor University’s commitment to academic excellence, student support, and success. The university’s high performance in key metrics such as freshman retention rate, graduation rate, and its ability to recruit students from the top 25% of their high school graduating classes further solidifies its leadership among the region’s best institutions.

Taylor University’s number one ranking is indicative of its holistic approach to education, which places a strong emphasis on student engagement, academic rigor, and personalized support. This university has consistently focused on creating a welcoming and challenging environment that fosters intellectual and personal growth. Taylor University’s success in these areas is demonstrated by its impressive freshman retention rate, which highlights how effective the institution is in supporting its students from the moment they arrive on campus until they successfully graduate. Moreover, the graduation rate reflects Taylor’s ability to ensure that students are prepared and supported throughout their academic journey. Another noteworthy metric is the university’s ability to attract students from the top 25% of their high school classes, a key indicator of academic strength and student quality.

Calvin College shares the top spot with Taylor University, reflecting the strength and competitiveness of Midwest regional colleges. Calvin College is celebrated for its academic programs, emphasis on liberal arts education, and its dedication to providing students with transformative learning experiences. The shared first-place ranking underscores the ability of these institutions to provide students with both affordability and excellent education options. Their shared commitment to academic excellence, faith, and student engagement has contributed to their continued success in the competitive landscape of higher education in the Midwest.

Following Taylor University and Calvin College is Augustana University, which ranks third among the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 analysis. Augustana University is another example of the excellence in academic programs and support that the Midwest region offers to students. The university stands out for its affordability and value, as evidenced by its high performance in the report’s analysis of institutions offering the best value to students. In fact, Augustana is ranked second in the Midwest in terms of best value schools, making it an ideal option for students seeking a combination of academic excellence, affordability, and access to opportunities for personal growth and development. Augustana University has made affordability a priority by emphasizing financial aid programs and innovative support systems, ensuring students can pursue their education without being burdened by significant debt.

The College of the Ozarks is another standout institution in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report rankings, coming in at number four among the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest. Beyond its placement in the rankings, the College of the Ozarks has earned special recognition as the number two institution in the region for undergraduate teaching. This acknowledgment reflects the College of the Ozarks’ unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional academic environment for students. Since 1989, the U.S. News & World Report has recognized the College of the Ozarks as one of the nation’s best institutions, a testament to its long-standing tradition of excellence, leadership, and service. The institution’s emphasis on practical experience, hands-on learning, and character development has made it a favorite choice among students looking for a well-rounded education grounded in ethics, service, and academic achievement.

Additionally, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) continues to demonstrate its excellence and commitment to students by earning its place among the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest. SMWC moved up three spots this year to secure the 18th position in the rankings, signaling its steady and continued growth as a leading higher education institution. This marks the ninth consecutive year that U.S. News & World Report has included Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on its list of recognized institutions. This consistent recognition highlights the college’s ability to provide students with a nurturing and supportive environment while maintaining high academic standards. SMWC’s success reflects its emphasis on innovation, academic programs, and its commitment to the success of its students.

The rankings underscore the strengths of these institutions as they compete with one another in a diverse and competitive higher education landscape. Taylor University’s shared first-place standing, alongside Calvin College, demonstrates its leadership in fostering student success, academic quality, and affordability. Meanwhile, Augustana University’s recognition as the third-best regional college in the Midwest, along with its second-place standing in the best value analysis, illustrates how affordable higher education can intersect with high-quality academic programs and excellent opportunities for personal development. The College of the Ozarks’ placement as the fourth-best institution in the region highlights its unique emphasis on undergraduate teaching and a distinctive approach to education that combines academic achievement with service learning. Furthermore, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College demonstrates that smaller institutions can maintain academic excellence while fostering student engagement, innovation, and personal growth.

These rankings are not just numbers; they are an evaluation of key performance indicators such as student retention rates, graduation rates, financial resources, quality of instruction, and peer assessments. All of these metrics combined illustrate the ability of these institutions to support their students in both academic achievement and personal development. The metrics emphasize how these institutions work tirelessly to recruit talented and motivated students, support them in their academic goals, and ensure that they are prepared to enter the workforce or pursue graduate education upon graduation.

The Midwest has consistently been home to some of the most outstanding institutions of higher education in the United States, and the 2017 U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight that tradition of excellence. The combination of affordability, student engagement, academic rigor, and financial support has allowed institutions like Taylor University, Augustana University, the College of the Ozarks, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to emerge as leaders in the region. These schools emphasize a variety of factors that contribute to student success, including fostering innovative learning environments, promoting leadership opportunities, and offering students personalized attention and robust support systems.

Furthermore, these rankings also provide valuable insights for prospective students and their families as they make decisions about their academic futures. The inclusion of factors such as undergraduate teaching, affordability, opportunities for service learning, and opportunities for practical experiences in their college experience allows students to prioritize their needs and choose institutions that align with their academic and personal goals. Taylor University, Augustana University, and the College of the Ozarks, for example, each offer distinctive strengths that prospective students can take into consideration. Whether students prioritize affordability, service learning, quality instruction, leadership opportunities, or career preparation, these institutions represent strong choices.

In conclusion, Taylor University’s first-place ranking, shared with Calvin College, reflects its leadership in academic quality and student success. Augustana University’s standing as the third-best institution in the Midwest, coupled with its recognition for affordability, demonstrates its commitment to accessibility and academic excellence. The College of the Ozarks stands out for its emphasis on undergraduate teaching and service learning, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College continues to earn recognition for its consistent dedication to innovation and excellence. These rankings are a reflection of the strengths of each institution and their ability to provide students with opportunities for academic success, personal growth, and leadership. The 2017 U.S. News & World Report rankings underscore the Midwest’s rich tradition of academic excellence and innovation in preparing students for the future.