US News and World Report names USD one of nations best
"Best National Universities" recognition is based on several key measures of quality, including academic excellence, peer assessment, faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, and student selectivity. Academic quality categories for the rankings were established by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2006. Schools achieving "Best National Universities" status (164 public, 98 private) offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master’s and Ph.D. programs, and emphasize faculty research.
"It’s a tribute to our extraordinary faculty, student body and alumni that The University of South Dakota is one of America’s ‘Best National Universities’ for the 18th consecutive time," said James W. Abbott, President of The University of South Dakota. "We are fortunate at USD to be recognized for our commitment to a quality liberal arts education and for developing exceptional research programs."
The annual rankings provided by U.S. News and World Report are a significant resource for college-bound students and their parents. More than 1,400 colleges and universities were surveyed for the “America’s Best Colleges 2009” edition, which spotlights schools with outstanding academic programs, study abroad opportunities, successful internship programs and service learning curriculum.
Highlights of the college rankings will be published in the Sept. 1 issue of U.S. News & World Report. The exclusive rankings will be featured in the 2009 “America’s Best Colleges” guidebook, featured on newsstands Aug. 26 and available online at www.usnews.com/colleges.