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Press Release Date: 8/20/2006
U.S. News & World Report gives LCSC a No. 1 ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Lewis-Clark State College is again No. 1.
For the third time in six years, the national magazine’s annual ranking of “America’s Best Colleges” has selected the Lewiston, Idaho college as the top comprehensive bachelor’s degree-offering public college in the West.
The rankings, which came out last week, mark the sixth straight year LCSC has been ranked third or higher in the West. LCSC also was ranked No. 1 in the West in 2001 and ’04, and was tied for second last year. The college also was ranked third in 2002 and ’03.
The magazine ranks more than 1,400 colleges and universities across the United States. The comprehensive college rankings are for public colleges that focus on undergraduate education and offer degree programs ranging from liberal arts to professional fields. The criteria used in ranking the schools include the school's academic reputation, retention and graduation rates, average size of classes, percentage of faculty who are full time, student/faculty ratios, and alumni giving rates.
LCSC President Dene K. Thomas says the honor proves the important role LCSC plays in the community.
“This is a great honor because it validates the quality education that we offer our students,” Thomas says. “We’re proud to say that we offer a private school experience at public school cost, with small classes and personal attention from faculty.”
Thomas says LCSC has a friendly, supportive environment where students can thrive because of support in several areas. Students take classes from professors, not graduate assistants, and receive one-on-one personal attention. Thomas adds the campus has numerous programs that provide extra academic assistance.
LCSC drew high marks for student-to-faculty ratio in classes and the percentage of faculty who are full time.
The magazine ranks accredited colleges and universities with at least 200 students. First, schools are grouped in 10 peer categories related to mission, emphasis (graduate/undergraduate studies, research, etc.) and location (North, South, Midwest and West). Then data is collected from 16 areas related to academic excellence. The rankings are compiled for prospective students and their families to help them evaluate options for post-secondary education.
“We are elated,” Thomas said. “We know we have a quality school here and we are a good value for a student’s education dollar. We provide a quality education and remain a low-cost institution.”
Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 28, at LCSC and registration remains opens for prospective students. More information on registration can be found at http://www.lcsc.edu/admissions/ or by visiting the Admission’s Office, located on the main floor in Reid Centennial Hall.
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