Shawnee State University ranked among top colleges in the US for 2021
For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named Shawnee State University one of its top colleges. SSU was recognized in the categories of Regional Midwest Campus and Social Mobility.
The annual ranking of colleges and universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2021 profiled over 1,400 schools judged across 17 different categories of academic quality. Shawnee State University made the list in three undergraduate categories for 2021. In the category of Regional Universities, SSU was ranked 119th out of 156 schools recognized, and 39th out of 51 in the subcategory of public schools in the midwest region. Additionally, SSU was ranked as the 150th best college or university in the country in the category of Social Mobility.
In a release regarding the rankings, Shawnee State University administrators shared their thoughts on why SSU was selected and what makes the university successful as a Regional University. In the words of SSU President Jeff Bauer, "Shawnee State's nationally-ranked academic programs, particularly those in game design, plastics engineering technology, and health professions, set us and our graduates apart." In the category of Regional Universities, U.S. News & World Report ratings are based on academic quality, graduation rates, affordability, and faculty resources, among other criteria.
The category of Social Mobility assesses a school's success in graduating students who received federal Pell Grants. This measure typically reflects the success rates of students coming from homes with an income of under $50,000 yearly. President Bauer commented on the importance of SSU's ranking in this category, "This particular ranking gets to the heart of who we are and the true value of a Shawnee State degree. By offering nationally recognized programs, low tuition rates, and student support services, we are making college possible for more students, and we're changing lives."
Another notable recognition received by Shawnee State University was in the Graduate School category, with a ranking of #185 in Occupational Therapy. Again, president Bauer expressed his thoughts on what SSU does well, "We have a long-standing tradition of excellence in our health-related degrees, particularly occupational therapy. Our graduates are in demand and most often have jobs waiting for them before they graduate."