Laie, HI – Brigham Young University Hawaii is listed as the fourth "best comprehensive college-bachelor's" in the Western United States. This latest ranking, included in the U.S. News and World Report’s 2006issue of "America's Best Colleges," is the highest ever for the university.
This marks the seventh consecutive year that the university has ranked in the top tier among the comprehensive colleges of the Western United States.
"This ranking is good for the school, and very good for Hawaii," said Keith Roberts, Vice President for Academics at the university. "It sends a signal that outstanding post-secondary education is available in Hawaii, and, more importantly, it reflects BYU-Hawaii as a consistent leader in quality education."
Each year, U.S. News releases its rankings of approximately 1,400 accredited colleges and universities. They are divided into categories based on available degrees and region. BYU-Hawaii falls into the category of "comprehensive colleges – bachelor's," which includes schools that offer a full range of undergraduate majors.
"We are very pleased with our peer assessment," said Roberts, referring to the 3.7 score (out of 5.0) that is rated by deans, presidents, vice presidents – colleagues from numerous universities and colleges. "Our score was second highest in the region and among the highest in the country, and that is a reflection of how others in the profession view our stature within higher education."
In addition to the general ranking, BYU-Hawaii is first with the most internationally diverse campus in the Western U.S., with a nearly 50% international student population.
The campus was also listed as the 3rd most selective university in the nation with a 12% student acceptance rate, behind only Yale and Harvard. This means that of all potential students that apply to BYU-Hawaii, only 12% are selected.
The 2006 rankings hit newsstands on Monday, August 22.