By: Maddie Day ~Staff Writer~

The U.S. News & World Report has ranked Xavier among the top 10 Midwest colleges for the 20th straight year.

According to the organization’s latest America’s Best Colleges rankings, Xavier took fifth among the best Midwest colleges and universities.

Creighton University of Omaha, Neb., took first place, followed by Butler University of Indianapolis.

Xavier tied for fifth with Valparaiso University, a private, Lutheran-affiliated institution in northwest Indiana.

Xavier tied for first place in the category of graduation rate with 76 percent.
The university also took the second place spots for average alumni donations with 17 percent and was named amongst the “Best Colleges for Veterans.”

The U.S. News & World Report also named Xavier to its list of A-Plus Schools for B Students, which recognizes schools that cater to dedicated students who aren’t necessarily academic standouts.

“At a time of increased competition and stretched resources in higher education, I am especially proud to once again be in the top five of this list of 620 universities,” President, Fr. Michael J. Graham, S.J. said.

“I want to commend our faculty and staff for their efforts to uphold and advance the Xavier mission to educate the whole person and forming students who will have a positive impact on our community and our world,” Graham said.

The U.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published in Washington, D.C. It is known primarily for its influential ranking and annual reports of colleges, universities, and graduate schools of all fields and subjects.

The U.S. News & World Report considered several categories, including university class sizes, peer assessments, student test scores and retention rates.

The publication designates schools in four categories — national universities, national liberal arts colleges, regional universities and regional colleges.

Xavier is ranked among regional universities based on its geographic location, and the Midwest region includes schools from Ohio to Nebraska and South Dakota.

A more detailed report of the rankings and selection criteria can be found at the U.S. News & World Report website at http://www.usnews.com/colleges.