October 11, 2002

Loyola earns sixth place in U.S. News ranking

Loyola ranked sixth in the category of "Best Universities ­ Master's in the South" in the 16th annual America's Best Colleges issue and guidebook published by U.S. News & World Report. This is the second year Loyola has ranked sixth.

For the last 12 years, Loyola has retained its position among the top regional schools in the South. In commenting on this year's ranking, University President Bernard P. Knoth, S.J., said, "In the very competitive market today, we are pleased to have maintained our sixth-place ranking. The rankings affirm our continuing commitment to provide our students with a superior education in the Jesuit tradition. The quality of our student body, our faculty, and our staff reflects the superior quality liberal arts education we provide and, in turn, allows us to continue to attract exceptionally talented students. Our incoming class of 2006 is made up of 879 students who represent the largest class in Loyola's history. The profile of our incoming freshmen continues to be impressive with an average GPA of 3.76, an average SAT combined score of 1233, and average ACT composite score of 27. These average scores are significant when compared to the national average scores of the college-bound population, which has an average SAT of 1042 or composite ACT of 21."

In addition to ranking among the top regional universities in the South, Loyola ranked 12th in the Southern region in the "Great Schools at Great Prices" category. "I am also proud of Loyola's ranking in the best value category. This is a result of our efforts to contain the cost of higher education while providing a first-class liberal arts education," added Knoth.

Joseph A. Butt, S.J., College of Business Administration ranks among Best Business Programs in the country

The College of Business Administration (CBA) also made the U.S. News and World Report list of Best Business Programs, for the second year in a row.

The CBA tied for a ranking of 124 in the nation. A total of 382 business schools were eligible for national ranking, and only 148 made the U.S. News list. The best business program category ranks the country's top undergraduate business programs. This ranking can aid prospective corporate executives and entrepreneurs in their search for the right school for their undergraduate study of business. To determine these rankings, U.S. News surveyed officials at the undergraduate business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), asking deans and senior faculty to rate the quality of all programs with which they are familiar.

According to Dean Patrick O'Brien, "We are extremely pleased to receive national recognition as one of the best undergraduate business programs in the nation. This recognition is something the faculty has worked hard for over the past several years. It is a reflection of the superb faculty, students and programs that we have in the College of Business."