Welch College Rises in U.S. News & World Report’s Top College Rankings

by | Sep 18, 2017

GALLATIN, TN—Welch College received notification that the institution ranks 26th among “Best Regional Colleges” (South Region) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 edition of America’s Best Colleges guidebook, according to President Matt Pinson. The numerical ranking of 26 in the 2018 South Region indicates a rise of 5 places above the 2017 edition ranking of 31. Welch was also ranked 21 among “Best Value” Colleges in the South, and ranked 5th “Best Value” of all colleges and universities in Tennessee.

“How gratifying it is to see Welch ranked among America’s best colleges in this prestigious national study,” President Pinson said. “We are delighted that the college’s academic programs are recognized not only by our supporters but also by those beyond the institution. This recognition reassures prospective students and their parents that Welch remains a top-quality institution of higher learning that delivers on their educational investment, while keeping Christ at the center of the college experience.”

The “Best Regional Colleges” category where Welch is ranked includes 324 institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts and in professional fields such as business, nursing, and education. Colleges in this category are ranked within four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.

U.S. News rankings offer opportunity to judge the relative quality of institutions based on widely accepted indicators of excellence: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and more.

Welch received especially high marks in four strategic areas—percent of classes with under 20 students (90%), student/faculty ratio (8/1), first-year student retention rate (71%), and freshmen in the top 25% of their high school class (52%).

Provost Matthew McAffee said, “Once again Welch College has made significant gains in U.S. News & World Report rankings, moving up from 31 to 26. Although rankings like this are not the only gauge of an institution’s excellence and academic credibility, it is nonetheless a helpful external benchmark for us. This year again marks an incremental gain in our reputation among peer institutions. We are thankful for this blessing!”

More information is available about the rankings and methodology in the annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook at: www.usnews.com/collegemeth.

Welch College Ranks #31 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional (South) Colleges

by | Oct 28, 2016

Welch College received notification that it ranks 31st among “Best Regional Colleges” (South Region) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 edition of America’s Best Colleges guidebook according to President Matt Pinson.

“We are so pleased that Welch College is not only ranked among America’s best colleges but is moving up in the rankings,” President Pinson said. “This respected national study confirms that the college’s academic programs are recognized by the broader academic community as well as our supporters. It’s also another reminder to prospective students and their parents that Welch College remains a top-quality institution of higher learning that delivers its educational promise.”

The “Best Regional Colleges” category where Welch College is ranked includes 334 institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts, and in professional fields such as business, nursing, and education. Colleges in this category are ranked within four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.

U.S. News rankings offer opportunity to judge the relative quality of institutions based on widely accepted indicators of excellence: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and more.

Welch College received especially high marks in three strategic areas—percent of classes under 20 students (89%), average first-year retention rate (69%), and freshmen in top 25% of high school class (52%).

Provost Greg Ketteman said, “This marks the tenth time that Welch College has been included in U.S. News’ list of best colleges. This is a testimony to the hard work our faculty and staff pour into our students. Their commitment to excellence is paying off in national recognition among professional educators that Welch provides a rigorous collegiate academic setting for serious students. Our goal is to create a stimulating learning environment where education is more than books and classes. We are truly a community of faith and learning.”

Please go to this link if you would like to read more about Welch’s ranking. http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/free-will-college-30018