SMU improves ranking in Forbes ‘Top Colleges’

Forbes.com’s 2012 list of “America’s Top Colleges” ranks Saint Mary’s as No. 306 out of 650 of “The Best Public and Private Colleges and Universities — from the student's point of view.”

SMU is also listed by Forbes as No. 235 in “Private Colleges,” No. 117 in “Research Universities,” and No. 70 “In the Midwest.” These rankings are significantly higher than last year, when SMU ranked 418 overall, 326 in “Private Colleges,” 139 in “Research Universities” and No. 105 “In the Midwest.”

The annual list of “America's Best Colleges” ranks a select group of more than 650 undergraduate institutions — the top 20% of all undergraduate institutions — based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students, and how much they achieve.

The annual ranking, which is assembled by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity, is based on schools’ performances in five categories: post-graduate success, student satisfaction, debt, four-year graduation rate, and competitive awards, according to Forbes.

Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College, said he is excited to see Saint Mary’s climb the Forbes “Top Colleges” list. “The Forbes listing is especially meaningful to us because it measures students’ satisfaction and opinion,” Bedtke said. “This study reaffirms that our students receive a quality education experience and are successful in their chosen careers. It also reflects that our students are able to graduate within four years and control their college tuition expenses.”

To view the entire list, go to www.forbes.com/top-colleges/list. To view Saint Mary’s page, go to www.forbes.com/colleges/saint-mary-s-university-of-minnesota.