Furman makes several top lists in U.S. News rankings

Furman University is ranked among the “Most Innovative Schools” and “High School Counselors’ Top College Picks” in the annual rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

Furman is ranked No. 53 overall among the 233 colleges in the category of “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” and remains the top-ranked liberal arts and sciences college in South Carolina. The schools in the national liberal arts category emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts and sciences.

“While our focus is on delivering the best education through The Furman Advantage, we recognize that many prospective students and their families look at rankings to start their college search,” said Furman President Elizabeth Davis. “We are proud that our approach to preparing students for meaningful lives is being reflected in many ways in these latest rankings and indicators, including ‘Most Innovative Schools’ and ‘High School Counselors’ Top College Picks.’”

Furman was ranked No. 13 in the category of “Most Innovative Schools,” which is comprised of national liberal arts colleges that are making “cutting-edge changes” on their campuses. According to the magazine, the list was compiled by asking college presidents, provosts and admissions deans to nominate colleges that are making the “most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”

The university also ranked 47th among national liberal arts and sciences colleges in “High School Counselors Top College Picks,” a list based on the responses of approximately 1,100 high school counselors who were asked to rate the quality of a school’s undergraduate academic program.

Among all colleges and universities, Furman was listed in “A+ Schools for B Students” and the list of colleges that “Focus on Student Success” in the category of Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects.

All of the schools listed in the U.S. News rankings were evaluated in the areas of peer assessment, retention of students, graduation rate performance, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

For more information, contact Furman’s News and Media Relations Office at 864-294-3107.