John Brown University grabbed the top spot for “Best Value” in the U.S. News and World Report 2013 Best Colleges Edition for the southern region.
Additionally, it took home No. 2 Best College among 107 regional colleges in the South. The University has placed in one of the top two spots for four consecutive years. It has occupied the top 10 for nine consecutive years.
Jim Krall, vice president for advancement, said providing a high quality education at an affordable cost reflects one of the University’s core values. He also thanked the alumni and friends who donated money to help create affordable tuition.
“We’re gratified to see U.S. News recognize the exceptional value of a JBU education,” he said.
Ed Ericson, vice president for academic affairs, attributes the continuous high rankings to the University’s high graduate rate, smaller class size and high-ranking incoming freshmen.
Ericson commended the University’s faculty for the quality education they provide students.
“I am proud of the work they do, and the high ranking on the U.S. News Best College list is well deserved,” he said. “More importantly, our students continue to impress us with their successes.”
Senior Megan Stoll described the new ranking as “awesome.”
“It’s really reaffirming to know—not only because of paying things and stuff—but it’s really cool to know the quality professors that we have here are nationally recognized because we have great people teaching us,” she said.
Taking the overall top spot for regional colleges in the South is High Point University (N.C.). Other Arkansas schools to make the list were University of the Ozarks ranked 9th, Williams Baptist college ranked 55th, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff ranked 72nd, Philander Smith College ranked 79th and Arkansas Fort Smith ranked 82nd.