Saint Mary’s online graduate programs recognized nationally

Saint Mary’s offers students exceptional online graduate programs. The 2015 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Program rankings, released recently, include Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota as a top school in its “Best Online Programs: Business        (Graduate)” category (www.usnews.com/education/online-education/mba/business-rankings).

“As we strive to make education accessible to adult learners, we have increased our online educational offerings,” said Brother Robert Smith, vice president for the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. “Our goal is to provide a quality, personalized experience that meets the needs of today’s learners, and being recognized by U.S. News is proof that we are successful in our efforts.”

Saint Mary’s achieved a spot (74th) in U.S. News’ national rankings in the online graduate business programs category with favorable scores in student engagement, admission selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credentials and training, student services, and technology.

Online graduate business programs offered at Saint Mary’s include the M.A. in Human Resource Management, the M.A. in Organizational Leadership, the M.S. in Project Management, and the new M.S. in Accountancy and M.A. in International Development programs.

Saint Mary’s also offers exceptional online graduate programs in education and health and human services. They include the M.A. in Health and Human Services Administration, the M.A. in Educational Leadership, the M.A. in Special Education, and the M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology.

Saint Mary’s named one of ‘Best in Midwest’ by Princeton Review

Saint Mary’s University is one of 159 schools receiving the “Best in the Midwest” designation for 2015 from the Princeton Review, a national college guide and ranking program. Results were announced this week.

Each year, the Princeton Review profiles colleges and universities that “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning.” The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their own schools on a variety of issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life.

The 648 colleges named regional bests (226 in the Northeast, 139 in the Southeast, 159 in the Midwest, and 124 in the West) represent only about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for test-preparation courses, education services and books.

For more information, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx. The website gives a profile of Saint Mary’s, along with useful college selection features.

Saint Mary’s listed in national ‘Best Colleges for Veterans’

Saint Mary’s is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Colleges for Veterans.” This listing includes the top-ranked schools in the overall Best Colleges rankings that participate in federal initiatives to help veterans and active service members apply, pay for and complete their degrees.

The new rankings provide data and information on schools that offer federal benefits, including tuition and housing assistance, to veterans and active service members.

Saint Mary’s was ranked No. 44 for veterans in the “National Universities” category – and was the only Minnesota college in that category to be ranked as a “Best College for Veterans.” In total, there were 234 ranked schools across all U.S. News ranking categories: National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities and Regional Colleges.

All of the Best Colleges for Veterans scored well in terms of graduation rate, faculty resources, reputation and other markers of academic quality in the 2014 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges. To qualify for the new rankings, the schools had to be certified for the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium.

For more information, go to http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/veterans.

Saint Mary’s is ranked in top tier of U.S. News ‘Best National Universities’

Saint Mary’s is once again ranked in the top tier of the annual U.S. News & World Report ratings of best colleges and universities.

Saint Mary’s is ranked No. 173 in the National Universities category of the U.S. News Best Colleges 2014 guidebook, moving up one slot from No. 174 in the 2013 guide. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota listed in this elite category.

The ranking of more than 1,500 schools is available online at www.usnews.com. Results were announced today, Sept. 10.

U.S. News ranks Saint Mary’s in the “National Universities” category, which includes schools that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees.

Taking top honors in the “National Universities” ranking are Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University and Stanford University.

Along with “National Universities,” the other main U.S. News institutional groupings are “National Liberal Arts Colleges,” “Regional Universities” and “Regional Colleges.”

U.S. News categorizes schools primarily by mission and region, and ranking data is gathered from each institution on indicators of academic excellence.

Saint Mary’s University receives ‘Best in Midwest’ honors from Princeton Review

Saint Mary’s University is one of 155 schools receiving the “Best in the Midwest” designation for 2014 from the Princeton Review, a national college guide and ranking program.

Each year, the Princeton Review profiles colleges and universities that “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning.” The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their own schools on a variety of issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life. The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for test-preparation courses, education services and books; it is not affiliated with Princeton University.

The 643 colleges named regional bests (225 in the Northeast, 138 in the Southeast, 155 in the Midwest, and 125 in the West) represent only about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

For more information, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx.

Saint Mary’s in top 10 National Universities for students living on campus

Saint Mary’s University is listed seventh among “National Universities” for its high percentage of undergraduates living on campus, according to a recently released U.S. News ranking.

U.S. News says the country is facing a shortage of on-campus student housing at public and private schools, according to a 2012 report by the National Multi-Housing Council that analyzed data between 2000 and 2010. The last decade saw a 38.7 percent increase in student enrollment, and as enrollment surged, most states have seen a smaller percentage of students living in dorms. Areas with the highest campus housing shortages include Arizona, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and West Virginia.

Despite the shortage, U.S. News compiled a list of 10 universities that are still housing most of their students on campus.

Harvard University tops the list of U.S. News National Universities with the highest percentage of undergraduate students living on campus in fall 2011. The Ivy League school has 98 percent of its undergraduates living on campus.

Saint Mary’s, in seventh, had 89 percent of students living on campus during the reporting period.

Other schools on the list include: Princeton University, 87 percent; California Institute of Technology, 95 percent; Columbia University, 95 percent; Stanford University, 91 percent; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 90 percent; Yale University, 88 percent; Dartmouth College, 86 percent; and Vanderbilt University, 86 percent.

Of the 247 ranked National Universities that provided data to U.S. News about campus housing, an average of 38 percent of the undergraduate population lives on campus. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota in this category.

“The completion of our newest 141-bed residence hall this past year reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant campus and transformational residential life experience,” said Chris Kendall, vice president of student life. “A high number of students living on campus brings life and vitality to all university activities and events. And a student’s residential experience is an important component of their overall college experience.”

U.S. News surveyed more than 1,800 colleges and universities for its 2012 rankings of undergraduate programs. While much of this survey data is used to rank schools for its annual “Best Colleges” rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News is now producing lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them.

For more information, go to www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2013/06/18/10-national-universities-where-most-students-live-on-campus.

Saint Mary’s moves up in U.S. News ranking

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota continues to move up in the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of best colleges and universities.

Saint Mary’s is ranked No. 174 in the National Universities category of the U.S. News Best Colleges 2013 guidebook, moving up three slots from No. 177 in the 2012 guide. The ranking of more than 1,500 schools is available online at www.usnews.com.

“We’re elated that Saint Mary’s is being nationally recognized for its excellent educational experience,” said Brother William. “We’re a top-tier university that is meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of students at every level, from our undergraduate students to our doctoral students.”

U.S. News placed Saint Mary’s in the first tier of the “National Universities” category. This grouping includes schools that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees. This is the sixth year Saint Mary’s is ranked in this category.

Taking top honors in the “National Universities” ranking are Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University and Columbia University. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota in this category.

Along with the “National Universities” category, the other main U.S. News institutional groupings include “National Liberal Arts Colleges,” “Regional Universities,” and “Regional Colleges.”

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.

Saint Mary’s moves up in U.S. News ‘Best National Universities’ ranking

Saint Mary’s continues to move up in the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of best colleges and universities.

Saint Mary’s is ranked No. 177 by U.S. News in the National Universities category for 2011, moving up six slots from No. 183 in 2010.

The ranking of more than 1,500 schools is available online at www.usnews.com. Results were announced today, Sept. 13.

“Saint Mary’s is a new kind of university for the 21st century,” says Brother William. “We are a national university committed to academic quality and relevance, and to educating our students for ethical lives of service of leadership — at every program level.”

U.S. News placed Saint Mary’s in the first tier of the “National Universities” category, which includes a total of 280 schools in two tiers. This grouping includes schools that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees. This is the fifth year Saint Mary’s is ranked in this category.

Taking top honors in the “National Universities” ranking are Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University and Columbia University. Saint Mary’s is one of only three public or private schools in Minnesota in this category.

U.S. News categorizes schools primarily by mission and region, and ranking data is gathered from each institution on indicators of academic excellence.

Forbes ranks Saint Mary’s as nation’s best for minority graduates in STEM programs

Saint Mary’s is the nation’s top-ranked college for minorities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, according to a recent Forbes report.

Forbes ranked colleges and universities for helping racial or ethnic minorities succeed in STEM programs. Forbes compared the percentages of blacks, Hispanics and American Indians (groups typically underrepresented in STEM) to whites and Asians (groups typically well-represented in STEM). Forbes excluded from its analysis those schools with a student body that is almost entirely minority students.

Saint Mary’s offers STEM programs in its traditional four-year bachelor of arts program at its Winona campus, as well as STEM programs within the bachelor of science completion programs for adult learners at its Twin Cities campus.

The Forbes report cited data from the Saint Mary’s undergraduate graduating class in 2008. Forbes said that class included about 10 percent underrepresented minority students, just above the national median for ranked colleges. “But of those minority students,” Forbes said, “35 percent received their degrees in STEM – well above the median among all colleges, which is 10 percent.”

Bob Conover, vice president for communication, noted that Saint Mary’s undergraduate STEM programs “combine a strong academic component with opportunities for hands-on research and student interaction with professors. I believe it’s this combination which helps us reach underrepresented populations.” Conover added that “as a Lasallian Catholic university, Saint Mary’s is student-centered and committed to preparing learners for success in an increasingly complex and multicultural world.”

To read the complete Forbes article, go to www.forbes.com/2010/12/10/best-colleges-minorities-women-science-lifestyle-education-stem.html.

Saint Mary’s ranked by U.S. News, Forbes and Princeton

• U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of America’s Best Colleges has ranked Saint Mary’s in its “Best National Universities” survey for 2010. The annual listing of more than 1,400 schools is available online at www.usnews.com.

Saint Mary’s is ranked in the third tier of the 262-school U.S. News “National Universities” category. The third tier includes schools ranked 134 through 190 and is not ranked numerically.

The “National Universities” category includes 164 public and 98 private institutions from across the U.S. that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral degrees.

• Forbes.com’s 2009 list of “America’s Best Colleges” ranks Saint Mary’s as No. 230 out of 600 of “the best public and private colleges and universities —from the student's point of view.”

The second-annual ranking of “America's Best Colleges,” compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, ranks 600 undergraduate institutions based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students and how much they achieve.

The list can be found at www.forbes.com/lists/2009/94/colleges-09_Americas-Best-Colleges_Rank.html.

• Saint Mary’s University is one of 158 schools receiving the “Best in the Midwest” designation for 2010 from the Princeton Review, a national college guide and ranking program.

Each year, the Princeton Review profiles colleges and universities that “stand out as academically excellent institutions of higher learning.” The Princeton Review survey asks students to rate their own schools on several issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life.

The 639 colleges named regional bests (217 in the Northeast, 141 in the Southeast, 158 in the Midwest, and 123 in the West) represent only about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.

For more information, go to www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx.