August 17, 2007

University of Mobile one of
"America's Best Colleges"

The University of Mobile is among the top master’s-level universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.”

The private, Baptist-affiliated university was ranked 56th among “Best Universities--Master’s” in the South.

University of Mobile president Dr. Mark Foley said he is pleased that the university has moved up in the rankings and is among the top 60 master’s-level universities in the South.

“Four years ago we made the decision to strengthen the academic program and raise admission standards as part of our emphasis on graduating men and women who will excel in the workforce and make a difference in the world,” Foley said. “The rankings are beginning to reflect the success of our commitment to providing quality higher education with a Christian world view.”

The rankings will be published in the magazine’s Aug. 27 issue, on newsstands Monday, Aug. 20, and available online at www.usnews.com/colleges beginning today.

The annual rankings are based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Factors considered include peer assessment, average freshman retention rate, average graduation rate, class size, student/faculty ratios, percentage of full-time faculty, ACT/SAT test scores, the percent of freshmen in the top 25 percent of their class, acceptance rate and alumni giving rate.

The rankings are based on data from 2006, which is the year the University of Mobile raised minimum admission standards to a 21 ACT and 2.75 grade point average. Previous minimum admission standards were a 19 ACT and 2.0 g.p.a.

This is the first year the University of Mobile has been listed in the top master’s-level universities in the South, and the listing reflects a continued rise in the school’s performance according to the ranking criteria. The university was listed in the fourth tier of schools in 2003, and was included in the third tier in the following years. Schools listed in the third and fourth tier are listed alphabetically and are not given a numerical ranking.

Dr. Kaye Brown, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of graduate programs, said several factors at the university have changed since 2003.

She said a higher peer assessment score, smaller classes, higher percentage of classes taught by full-time faculty, higher ACT scores, increased selectivity in admissions, and increased annual alumni giving rate are reflected in the current rankings.

“We are pleased that the University of Mobile is being recognized at this level,” Foley said. “We have an outstanding faculty and staff who truly invest themselves in the lives of students and in preparing these men and women to be the best in their professions as well as leaders in their church and community.”