National Magazine Ranks SIUE Among the Top 50 in the Country
Washington Monthly, a national magazine, has ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among the Top 50 master’s granting colleges and universities in the nation, with SIUE coming in 14th among public institutions on that list.
Edwardsville, Ill. (Vocus) September 14, 2010
Washington Monthly, a national magazine, has ranked Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (http://www. siue. edu/) among the Top 50 master’s granting colleges and universities in the nation, with SIUE coming in 14th among public institutions on that list.
The magazine’s editors explained that the rankings are based on an institution’s “contribution to the public good in three broad categories: Social Mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), Research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and PhDs), and Service (encouraging students to give something back to their country).”
These current rankings were released after similar rankings last month from U. S.News & World Report that put SIUE in the top 68 “Up-and-Coming” universities nationally. The U. S. News rankings are based on the academic preparedness of students, graduation rates, faculty characteristics and the reputation of SIUE in higher education.
The Washington Monthly ranks SIUE 46th overall nationally among its Top 50 Master’s Universities category, which includes public and private institutions. Overall, SIUE was eighth in expenditures for research and placed in the top half for.
Under the service sub-category, SIUE was ranked first in percent of federal work study funds spent on students employed in community service programs. During the past fiscal year, SIUE received more than $600,000 in federal work study funds, of which 85 percent were spent on the federal America Reads program the University offers at its East St. Louis Center.
The Washington Monthly editors say they believe higher education should be judged on how well students have been prepared to become dedicated citizens who serve their communities and the country rather than how much is spent by an institution on “fame and glory.”
For example, since 1987 the University has offered the Student Leadership Development Program, a series of modules about leadership and several service opportunities, such as volunteer projects on campus and within the region through the SIUE Kimmel Leadership Center.
“SIUE takes pride in how well our students have become productive members of society after graduation,” SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift said. “One of our five institutional values, which are displayed for all to see in the Morris University Center, is Citizenship.
“In fact, Citizenship is first on the list because we feel it’s important to foster that value by encouraging students in social, civic and political responsibility, globally, nationally, locally and within the University,” he said. “At SIUE we believe if we do the right things and do them well, everyone benefits.
“The national recognitions we receive are an indication that we are doing the right things for our students. But, it’s the students themselves doing well by doing good in the real world that are equally significant indicators.”
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a nationally recognized public university offering a broad choice of degrees and programs ranging from career-oriented fields of study to the essential, more traditional, liberal arts. At SIUE we offer 44 baccalaureate degrees, 13 post-baccalaureate certificates, 47 master's degrees, 11 post-master's certificates, two first-professional degrees, and one post-first professional certificate. Known for an emphasis in health science education, SIUE offers a nursing school (http://www. siue. edu/nursing/), pharmacy school (http://www. siue. edu/pharmacy/) and dental school (http://www. siue. edu/dentalmedicine/). Additionally, undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates are available through the College of Arts and Sciences (http://www. siue. edu/artsandsciences/), the School of Engineering (http://www. siue. edu/engineering/), the School of Business (http://www. siue. edu/business/), and the School of Education (http://www. siue. edu/education/).
SIUE offers the advantages of a small, liberal arts college with the low tuition rates of a state university. SIUE emphasizes undergraduate education, complemented by faculty research to create practical applications for student learning. Located in the second most populated area of the state, SIUE draws students from all 102 Illinois counties, 42 states and 50 nations.
One of 12 Illinois colleges and universities, SIUE is located on 2,600 acres of rolling hills and woodlands in Edwardsville, just 25 miles from St. Louis, a major metropolitan area. Proximity to the St. Louis area enhances SIUE’s energy and vitality. The campus is easily accessed from several major interstates, while the city of Edwardsville offers ample opportunity for jobs, entertainment, shopping and fun.
# # #
