Clarksville, Ark. --- University of the Ozarks has been ranked No. 1 in the category of "Great Schools, Great Prices" among Comprehensive Colleges (Bachelor's) in the Southern Region by U.S.News & World Report in the magazine's annual late summer publication that analyzes institutions of higher education.
In the 2007 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” released on Aug. 17, Ozarks was ranked first in the category of “Great Schools, Great Prices” among 105 universities in the South Region that are considered Comprehensive Colleges (Bachelor’s). It is the second time in the past four years that Ozarks has been ranked first in the best value category. The value rankings evaluate the cost of attending a college or university relative to the quality of the institution, according to the magazine’s ranking system. In the overall rankings of the universities, Ozarks was named a “top tier” university in its category for the eighth consecutive year. Ozarks was ranked 10th out of the 105 universities that fall in the Comprehensive Colleges (Bachelor’s) category in the South Region. The overall rankings examine such criteria as academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. “I am extremely pleased that the University of the Ozarks is again recognized by U.S.News & World Report as being a top-tier campus in the Southern Region,” said U of O President Dr. Rick Niece. “To be ranked among the top 10 is a tribute to our faculty and staff and their unwavering commitment to the education of our students. Ozarks continues to be recognized throughout the region and nation as a campus of academic excellence. Most of all, I am truly proud of our being ranked as the best value in the South. To be ranked first among a number of prestigious campuses, comparing the quality of our education to the cost of that education, says a great deal about Ozarks and the tremendous value we are.” The South Region consists of colleges and universities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia. Following Ozarks in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category were, Claflin University in South Carolina, Berry College in Georgia, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas and Maryville College in Tennessee. The top 10 in the overall rankings for Comprehensive Colleges (Bachelor’s) in the South Region were, Berea College in Kentucky, Berry College, Asbury College in Kentucky, Maryville College, Ouachita Baptist University, John Brown University, LaGrange College in Georgia, Florida Southern College, Covenant College in Georgia and University of the Ozarks. U.S. News & World Report ranked more than 1,400 accredited schools nationally in its “America’s Best Colleges” edition, scheduled to hit the news stands on Aug. 21.
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