JMU Still Tops Among Public Universities in the South

HARRISONBURG - James Madison University is still the number one public master's level university in the southern region according to the "U.S. News & World Report's" 2009 edition of "America's Best Colleges." This is the 15th year in a row that JMU has claimed top honors among public institutions. 

JMU was also recognized as one of 70 schools nationwide as a "School to Watch". These schools are categorized as having recently made promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities. The "Schools to Watch" list is the result of a springtime survey of top college officials. 

"JMU is pleased to be recognized once again by 'U.S. News & World Report,'" said Linwood H. Rose, JMU president. "This latest ranking serves as continued validation of our efforts here to create educated and enlightened citizens."

Contributing to JMU's high ranking were a number of factors that ranked above all other schools in the master's level universities. Those factors included a category high freshman retention rate (92 percent) and average graduation rate (80 percent). 

A total of 574 universities make up the Universities-Master's segment of the news magazine's college rankings. The universities in this segment provide a full range of undergraduate and master's programs but offer few, if any, doctoral programs. JMU provides doctoral programs in psychology, communication sciences and disorders, clinical audiology and musical arts. Schools in the Universities-Master's segment are ranked within four geographic areas - North, South, Midwest and West. 

JMU's first year experience continues to draw attention by the magazine as it was cited as a "Program to Look for." The category recognizes innovative programs that help freshman feel more connected. 

The Sept. 1 issue of "U.S. News & World Report," which includes college rankings, and the guidebook will go on sale Monday, Aug. 25.