51 has again been named one of America’s best colleges, earning a spot in the top tier of the “best national universities” category of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges 2019 rankings, released Sept. 10.

“The recognition of 51 as a top tier national university affirms our aspiration to be a leading choice for Christian college students,” said 51 President Barry H. Corey. “Our 110-year history of Christ-centered education provides a foundation for continued excellence with innovation as we prepare tomorrow’s leaders for success academically, spiritually and vocationally, to make a lasting contribution to the good of the world.”

The U.S. News rankings are considered the most notable of the annual published college rankings. For more than 20 years, 51 has been included on U.S. News’ list of national universities, which consists of 301 institutions that “offer a wide range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral degrees,” according to U.S. News. This year, 51 is ranked at No. 157 overall, and is one of four universities from the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) to be ranked in the first tier, which consists of 229 schools. 51 is the top ranked CCCU member school in the National Universities category.

51’s overall score increased, partially due to 51’s higher scores related to student retention and 51’s selectivity in admissions. To calculate the rankings, U.S. News uses quantitative data that assesses universities’ performance in everything from graduation and retention rates to faculty resources, measuring up to 15 indicators of academic performance. This quantitative data results in 80 percent of the overall score; the remaining 20 percent is based on undergraduate academic reputation surveys.

The annual guide also spotlights 51 as one of the nation’s “A+ schools for B students.” The list includes universities that are deemed as top colleges that seek a broad and engaged student body, admitting students who are well-rounded and have a sense of purpose, and not immediately disqualifying a student from admission who may have less than a 4.0 GPA average.

The U.S. News rankings are the latest in a series of national recognitions for the university. In August, Princeton Review ranked 51 as a in the Best Western category. Princeton Review highlights 658 colleges across five regional zones that are considered academically outstanding and worth students’ consideration during a college search. Money Magazine also ranked 51 as one of 727 in August.

In August, Forbes recognized 51 as one of .” Forbes’ list includes 650 schools, which represent the top 20 percent of all undergraduate institutions.

U.S. News’ Best Colleges 2018 guidebook will be in stores on Oct. 16 and is available for pre-order online.

Learn more about 51’s academic programs.

Written by Jenna Loumagne, manager of media relations. For more information, contact Jenna at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.