Both Siena College and St. Bonaventure University (SBU) have been rated as colleges with good value in the U.S. News and World Report ranking of colleges, published in August.
For the first time, Siena College has been listed in Tier II of the Best Liberal Arts colleges in the country. It ranked No. 122. SBU placed 11th in the magazine’s annual Great Schools, Great Prices ranking for master’s-level universities and colleges in the North. The university also finished in the top tier of best regional universities.
The U.S. News rankings focus on several key measures, including peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving and graduation rate performance.
Siena President Kevin Mullen, OFM, said: “While controversial, the U.S. News college rankings are the best-known ranking system in the country, and frequently referenced by prospective students and others in comparing institutions of higher education. This year marks the first time Siena has been classified in Tier II, with Siena ranked 122nd among liberal arts colleges nationwide.”
His statement appears on the Siena College website continues: “Enabling our graduates to provide responsible leadership is the enduring legacy of a Siena education. This distinction recognizes the continued progress Siena has made in providing a quality education for our students and their communities.”
SBU President Sister Margaret Carney, OSF, was equally delighted.
“We’re glad the rankings reflect what we’ve always known — that a degree from St. Bonaventure is a great value,” said Sr. Margaret. “The faith Lou and Pat Magnano just showed in us with their exceedingly generous gift reflects the true spirit of what’s happening here.”
“With all the exciting new construction projects taking place on campus, and the new options available academically — in theater, gerontology, and especially with our ever-expanding dual-admission opportunities — I’m certain we’re on the way to becoming an even better value,” she added.
The 574 institutions in the 2008 “Best Universities – Master’s” category are divided into four regions: North, South, Midwest and West.