JMU named top master’s-level school

U.S. News & World Report ranks university highest Southern region

By Shayna Strang, staff writer
Posted on September 4, 2007

For the fourteenth year in a row, James Madison University has been named U.S. News & World Report’s top master’s-level public university in the South.

“It is a real credit to the faculty and staff of the university,” President Linwood Rose said. “We have routinely delivered excellence while being funded significantly below many of the institutions to which we are routinely compared.”

Each year, private and public schools across the United States are separated by their level of program. These separations include national and master’s universities, business and engineering programs, liberal arts colleges, and baccalaureate colleges. The different levels are further divided into four geographic areas, North, South, East, and West, before being ranked according to numerous categories. For the 2008 America’s Best Colleges Guide, almost 30 public master’s-level universities were ranked in the Southern region, with JMU coming out on top.

“Anytime a national magazine works on something like this, it is a privilege to be included,” JMU Spokesman Don Egle said.

In total, 574 universities were ranked this year, including the University of Mary Washington, Longwood University, Mary Baldwin College and Radford University. Each school’s rank is based on an overall score that includes many categories, ranging from the average graduation rate to the percentage of full-time faculty. The magazine also takes student to faculty ratios, class size, SAT and ACT scores, peer assessments and the alumni giving rate into consideration.

“It really shows the combination of things that add to the value of the university,” Egle said.

Rose seemed to agree.

“People at JMU come together, across divisional and departmental lines, to address the needs and requirements of students,” Rose said. “Their steadfast commitment to our mission is remarkably exceptional.”

In addition to the academic achievements, JMU one of 24 schools recognized for its exceptional learning communities that allow students and professors to establish a personal relationship.

This year’s guide for students also puts JMU in the top four schools at the master’s-level with graduates having the lowest amount of debt.

“Money is always an issue,” senior Sarah Aldridge said. “You definitely get more than what you pay for at JMU.”

The university also appears on the top lists for best first-year experiences and service-learning opportunities.

“Each are essential to the fulfillment of our mission: to prepare students to be educated and enlightened citizens,” Rose said.

Aldridge agreed.

“JMU is a school for everyone.”