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��Ӱֱ�� State College’s reputation continues to grow as proven by its ranking this year in U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 Best Colleges report. ��Ӱֱ�� State College is ranked 27^th among the top regional colleges in the North, ranked 8^th among the top public schools (regional colleges in the North), and was included in the rankings of those colleges with the highest average freshman retention rate, coming in at 66.5 percent. These figures represent a gain over last year’s rankings!

The exclusive rankings, which include rankings of more than 1,400 schools nationwide, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.

"��Ӱֱ�� State College is pleased and proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report,” said Dr. John M. Anderson, ��Ӱֱ�� State College president. “The results of these measures are proof that ��Ӱֱ�� State is one of the finest institutions of its kind in the nation and that the college’s strategic plan works!”

Additionally, Anderson noted, “The fact that one of the measures used in the rankings includes assessment by administrators at peer institutions indicates to me that we enjoy the respect of our colleagues, and that’s a great feeling. Other measures used in the rankings include retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving. Our faculty and staff continue to work hard to maintain the margin of excellence of which we’ve been justifiably proud for over 100 years.”

Anderson also attributes this ranking to a number of positive initiatives taking place on campus, including the establishment of an Institute for Sustainability, the development of specialized baccalaureate degree programs such as study abroad program; and plans for a new student center whose architect, William Rawn Associates, has been named the top architectural firm in the nation according to Architect Magazine, to name just a few.

State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher also expressed her pride and extended her congratulations to the many SUNY institutions appearing on this year’s listing: “SUNY campuses across New York State continue to be ranked favorably by nationwide publications and recognized for their outstanding quality, accessibility, and unsurpassed value.

“Today’s release of the 2011 Best Colleges Rankings by U.S. News and World Report includes many highlights from SUNY campuses.

“SUNY dominates the list of Best Regional Universities in the North, while three SUNY schools are among the Top 50 Public National Universities.

“Congratulations to the campus presidents, faculty, staff, and students who are responsible for SUNY's consistent placement among these prominent rankings.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings provide an excellent starting point for prospective students and their families in the complex process of determining which institution best fits their goals. The rankings supply hard data and analysis to help college applications make apples-to-apples comparisons of schools across the country.

U.S. News has made some changes to the 2011 Best Colleges’ ranking methodology and presentation. This year, schools are designated National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. The numerical rank of the top 75 percent of schools in each category is displayed, up from 50 percent. Graduation rate performance is more heavily weighted, and now accounts for 7.5 percent of the final score (compared to 5 percent previously) for the national universities and national liberal arts colleges categories only.

Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and for national universities and liberal art colleges graduation rate performance and high school counselor ratings of colleges.

��Ӱֱ�� State College, a member of the technology college sector within the State University of New York (SUNY) system, offers outstanding educational opportunities for students in its 52 associate degree programs, 18 baccalaureate degree programs, and three certificate programs. ASC continues to expand its court and realtime reporting). Numerous vocational-technical offerings stressing hands-on learning are available at the School of Applied Technology Campus located in nearby Wellsville, NY. The College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and several programs are also accredited or approved by program-specific professional organizations. While stressing technical education, the College continues to pride itself on maintaining close personal ties among students and faculty. Academic programs, residential facilities, and co-curricular activities are provided to meet the educational, cultural, social, and recreational needs of students. ��Ӱֱ�� State's reputation for excellence attracts students and faculty from throughout New York, neighboring states, and several foreign countries. The College is located in ��Ӱֱ��, NY, a scenic village in Allegany County. It is 15 miles north of the Pennsylvania border, 70 miles south of Rochester, and 90 miles southeast of Buffalo.