Samford, University of Mobile ranked in U.S News & World Report list

Samford, University of Mobile ranked in U.S News & World Report list

Samford University in Birmingham and the University of Mobile (UM) both ranked as No. 1 for veterans in their respective categories, according to the 2018 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Sept. 12.

Samford, which ranked first for veterans in the regional university category, also ranked No. 3 overall among all regional universities in the South. Regional universities are those institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs but few doctoral programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

UM ranked No. 5 overall for Christian colleges in the South region, rising from No. 8 last year. Regional colleges are institutions that focus on undergraduate education but grant fewer than half their degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

Samford and UM also ranked in their categories as a Best Value school — Samford, No. 22, and UM, No. 23.

“These new rankings are a reflection of our ability to fulfill the mission of University of Mobile to offer an intellectually challenging, Christ-centered academic community where students can be prepared to fulfill their professional calling,” said Timothy L. Smith, UM president.

Samford also ranked as No. 5 among regional universities in the South as one of the “Most Innovative Schools” — the only Alabama school out of 66 colleges and universities nationwide to achieve this designation.

The innovativeness of universities was measured through surveys of university presidents, provosts and admission administrators to assess “cutting-edge changes” with respect to curriculum, faculty, student services, campus life, technology and facilities.

“National rankings are just one important measure of our success, but they continue to affirm Samford’s growing national reputation as one of the best Christian universities in the country,” said Andrew Westmoreland, Samford president. (TAB)