Ranking eighth among Southern public universities, Winthrop also was recognized again
as being among the Best Colleges for Veterans. The rankings were released on Sept.
13. Over the past decade, Winthrop has consistently received third-party endorsements
for its value, academic quality and sustainability efforts.
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — Winthrop University continues its streak near the top
of the South's public regional universities that convey bachelor's and master's degrees
in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report's edition of "America's Best Colleges."
Ranking eighth among Southern public universities, Winthrop also was recognized again
as being among the Best Colleges for Veterans. The rankings were released on Sept.
13.
Noted in the rankings, Winthrop's commitment to academics is shown in key measurements of students, including:
The average first-year student retention rate increased from 74 to 75 percent.
The student/faculty ratio remained at 14:1.
The percentage of faculty members with Ph.D's climbed slightly to 89 percent.
The actual graduation rate increased from 52 to 55 percent, based on the average
percent of those in the entering class who graduated within six years.
Winthrop rose in the rankings from 21st to 19th on the list of Best Colleges for Veterans. As part of an expansion of veterans' offerings, Winthrop created the University College Academic Advising office to serve those students throughout their college careers. In fall 2015, Winthrop
enrolled 114 students who were veterans, active duty or in the reserves.
MATS staff provides personalized one-on-one consultations for academic planning and
skills, personal concerns, and campus involvement; referrals for resources; an undergraduate
peer mentor; a student organization; and seminars, workshops and events. Winthrop
participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows the university and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide funds for tuition and fees that exceed the established thresholds
under the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
The U.S. News college rankings group schools based on categories created by the Carnegie
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and are frequently relied upon by students
and parents considering higher education opportunities. U.S. News surveys colleges
and universities each year and ranks nearly 1,400 of them in different categories.
Winthrop President Dan Mahony said the university is pleased that others continue to recognize the high quality
of the Winthrop educational experience.
"Winthrop's student-focused learning and living experience prepares our graduates
to be leaders in their professions and communities," said Mahony. "I am proud that
Winthrop was also recognized this year for our programming and services that support
of the growing number of veterans and military service citizens at our university."
Over the past decade, Winthrop has consistently received third-party endorsements
for its value, academic quality and sustainability efforts. Recently, Princeton Review has listed the university among best Southeastern colleges.
For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at 803/323-2404 or e-mail her at longshawj@winthrop.edu.
