The University of Mary Washington has been recognized among the best colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, which released its “Best Colleges 2020” list this week.
UMW ranked 16th among regional universities in the South, scoring four top honors within that category. Mary Washington ranked seventh in the “Top Public Schools” and “Best Colleges for Veterans” categories, 16th in “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” and 18th in “Most Innovative Schools.”
“Service learning is a hallmark of the UMW experience,” according to U.S. News. “An education at UMW, with multiple opportunities for student research and service learning, uniquely prepares graduates for interesting careers or for advanced study.”
Regional – as opposed to national – universities across the country, with a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs but few doctoral programs, were ranked in four geographical groups, North, South, Midwest and West.
The “Top Public Schools” category includes the highest ranked public institutions, from small liberal arts colleges like Mary Washington to large research institutions, which are typically governed and funded by the state. The “Best Colleges for Veterans” ranking is for schools that participate in federal initiatives that help veterans and active-duty service members pay for their education.
The “Best Undergraduate Teaching” category is a peer-reviewed distinction. High marks went to schools that received from top college administrators the most votes for a focus on undergraduate teaching. The “Most Innovative Schools” ranking was awarded to colleges that are making cutting-edge improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, technology, facilities and campus life.
“Students at UMW can participate in more than 100 clubs,” the list says, “play recreational sports, and drive an hour to the attractions of Washington, D.C.”
U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. For the full list, visit usnews.com/best-colleges.
