U.S. News & World Report has named Nebraska Wesleyan University a top regional university.
NWU is ranked 11th among all colleges and universities named to the Best Regional Universities — Midwest category in the annual college rankings, which were released on September 9. The university moved up six spots from 17th last year and is the highest ranked Nebraska college or university in the category.
U.S. News & World Report ranks universities on a variety of indicators including student outcomes such as rates of graduation and retention, assessment by academic peers, faculty resources, overall financial resources, ACT/SAT scores, high school class standing, and alumni giving.
Bill Motzer, vice president for enrollment management noted the university’s consecutive years of record new student enrollment (2018 and 2019) and NWU’s increasing retention rates. Student retention is 84% (first year to second year) — ranking second behind Creighton University among Nebraska’s colleges and universities.
“We continue to experience great momentum at Nebraska Wesleyan,” said Motzer, noting other accomplishments including the new Duane W. Acklie Hall of Science, a successful capital campaign that raised $67.5 million — surpassing the goal of $62 million, and rewarding student experiences and outcomes. “The rankings affirm that momentum.”
U.S. News & World Report compares nearly 1,400 colleges and universities in the country. NWU was ranked among 161 schools in the regional category, which includes schools that provide a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s degree programs.
U.S. News & World Report also named Nebraska Wesleyan to its list of “A+ Schools for B Students.”
In addition to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, Nebraska Wesleyan has recently been ranked by:
- Princeton Review, best regional college
- Forbes, best value
- Kiplinger’s Best College Values
- Zippia’s list of “best colleges for jobs in Nebraska”
- Washington Monthly’s list of top master’s universities