U.S. News & World Report Guide Rates Mississippi College No. 9

Mississippi College leaders are delighted to see MC achieve high marks in the eyes of “U.S. News & World Report.”

MC received a ranking of No. 9 in the “Best Colleges, Best Values” category among the South’s regional universities. The “U.S. News” rankings for 2011 were released Tuesday. That represents an improvement from 11^th place in the category a year ago.

“We are so very proud,” said Ron Howard, MC’s vice president for academic affairs. “At a time of unprecedented academic competition and economic challenges, Mississippi College continues to strengthen educational quality with modest tuition increases.”

The Clinton-based university’s high ranking in the national publication and on its website also reflects “the dedication of MC’s leadership, faculty and staff to our students and families, and the continued appeal of Christian higher education dedicated to academic excellence,” Howard said.

At the No. 9 spot, Mississippi College was sandwiched between No. 8 Loyola University New Orleans and No. 10 Mary Baldwin College of Staunton, Va.  Converse College of Spartanburg, S.C. finished No. 1 in the category.

The report said 47.7 percent of MC students receive need-based grants and noted 39 percent was the average discount from the university’s total costs. Tuition and fees were listed at $13,550 for 2010-2011 at Mississippi College.

Graduate school dean Debbie Norris, who doubles as vice president for planning and assessment, was also pleased with MC’s latest rankings in the news magazine.

“Mississippi College has been ranked in the top tier by U.S. News for many years,” Norris said. “MC continues its tradition of high academic standards and personal attention to students, all in a Christian environment.”

The college guide looks at “a myriad of things,” such as costs, graduation rates, number of full-time faculty, student/faculty ratio and overall reputation, she said.

College guides like “U.S. News” are used by students around the country as they weigh college choices. Founded in 1826, MC is the nation’s second oldest Baptist college and the largest private university in the Magnolia State. University leaders expect last fall’s record 4,887 enrollment at MC will grow and approach the 5,000-mark this fall.