September 20, 2018
Columbia College Ranked by the US News and World Report
As one of the Best Value Schools in the Southern Region for 2019
The US News and World Report Best Colleges lists come out annually to help perspective college students narrow their college search. Their annual reporting covers 50 different categories of numerical rankings. Columbia College found themselves on three of those 50 lists: Best Regional University in the South, Best College for Veterans in the Southern Region, and Best Value School in the Southern Region.
Columbia College rose in the ranks from 57 in 2018 to 52 in the Best Regional University in the South category. They competed against universities in 12 states ranging as far west as Louisiana and as far north as West Virginia. Deciding factors for ranking include categories such as retention and graduation rates, social mobility, faculty resources, and financial resources.
They also tied with three other regional Universities, one being Coastal Carolina University, for Best College for Veterans in the southern region. In order to be considered for this ranking, the school must be certified for the GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, enroll a minimum of 20 veterans and/or active duty service members, and must be in the top half of its U.S. News ranking category. Columbia College makes a great effort to create a seamless admissions process for veterans and active duty military members by have a representative on campus to help facilitate and aid in the transition to college.
“I was elated to hear that we were ranked by U.S. News as one of the best colleges for Veterans,” said Columbia College Dean of Admissions, Ryan Longe. “We are proud to offer veterans and military personnel transfer credits for service and specialized trainings, along with flexible course schedules.”
The third ranking names Columbia College one of the top 20 Best Value Schools in the southern region for 2019. This honor is bestowed upon schools who can keep cost of attendance down while not effecting the quality of programs offered. Columbia College was one of 66 schools in the southern region that met these requirements.
Columbia College President, Carol Moore, said, “Being recognized as one of the Best Value Schools in the south emphasizes our commitment to affording everyone a college education, and shows our current and perspective students first-hand our pledge to service, social justice, and leadership development.”