Students, faculty say ranking a reflection of “good things” on campus
By Arianne Goode
Antelope Staff
UNK has retained its status as one of the top 10 regional public universities in the midwest in U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking of higher education institutions.
UNK was ranked No. 10 out of the 36 public regional universities in the midwest, and 53rd overall in the rankings when private institutions are included. That overall ranking is up from 64th last year.
The news was well received on the UNK campus.
“It’s wonderful to receive this affirmation of the good things UNK is doing,” said Dr. Martha Kruse, UNK associate professor and graduate director of the English Department. “(The) Top 10 designation helps assure our students — both present and future — that UNK offers a first-rate learning experience, one that is committed to student success.”
Students also appreciate the prestige U.S. News and World Report’s ranking gives UNK.
Junior Tawny Moore said, “It was cool that UNK was ranked as one of the top 10 this year.”
The ranking may add to UNK’s reputation as a good place to get an education.
“UNK has the history of being a great teacher’s college,” Moore said. “Now UNK is getting attention for being a “great college in general.”
The magazine also ranked UNK No. 32 for the best regional universities in the midwest for veterans, and No. 47 for the best value in this category.
Including private schools, the magazine ranked 172 institutions in the midwest regional university category.
According to a UNK press release, the magazine’s rankings are based on a formula that uses mostly objective measures of academic quality, such as graduation rates, social mobility, faculty information and admissions data. About 20 percent is based on academic reputation, determined by a peer assessment from top academic administrators at colleges and from high school counselors.
Moore said she thinks the news about UNK’s ranking might pay off in increased enrollment in the future.
“I hope this attracts more students to UNK and shows them what kind of family they’d be a part of, should they choose to attend,” she said.
