The fountain flows in front of Duquesne’s Student Union building as students pass in front. Duquesne was recently ranked 120th on the list of best colleges according to U.S. News and World Reports. This was four spots higher than the previous year.
Michael Marafino | Staff Writer
09/21/17
Duquesne University recently received a boost in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of top colleges in the nation. Duquesne is now ranked No. 120 in the 2018 edition of the Best Colleges, compared to last year’s ranking of No. 124.
Along with its ranking among all colleges in the nation, Duquesne is also tied for No. 12 in the national Catholic institutions category. It ranked No. 42 in Best Value Schools, No. 75 in the Best Colleges for Veterans, No. 106 in the High School Counselor Rankings and No. 151 in the Best Undergraduate Business Programs selections.
Many students were happy to hear about Duquesne’s rising in college rankings.
“I think that’s awesome,” Abbi Slezak, a sophomore biology student, said. “Duquesne definitely deserves it. It’s a great school in a great city and I think the atmosphere really makes it a special place.”
Many students have differing opinions concerning school rankings and the importance of the rankings.
“I really like that it’s rising in the ranks,” Rachel Saula, a freshman English major, said. “I don’t think ranks should be as important in the academic world as they are, but they’re ultimately the deciding factor for a lot of people.”
Michael Scarpino, a freshman business student, also weighed in.
“Rankings are important because they reflect a school’s national recognition of its excellence,” Scarpino said. “I very heavily looked at rankings when deciding where to go.”
Duquesne President Ken Gormley expressed his happiness at Duquesne’s new position.
“I’m thrilled that Duquesne has been recognized as a top-tier university in the United States for the 10th consecutive year,” he said.
Gormley believes that all of campus should celebrate.
“The U.S. News rankings this year give the entire Duquesne community reason to be proud,” he said. “They confirm that we continue to achieve the highest standards of excellence by doing what we have always done best—building upon our unique Catholic, Spiritan legacy, we provide our students with an unparalleled education for the mind, heart and spirit.”
Paul-James Cukanna, vice president for enrollment management, explained how the rankings are determined.
“The national rankings consider many factors, including our successful graduation and retention rates and freshman academic profile, while the Best Value ranking considers factors including academic quality and cost,” Cukanna said.
Cukanna believed that the university’s position reflects what Duquesne’s education is worth.
“These aspects are important to our prospective and current students and their families as they demonstrate the value of the investment into a Duquesne education,” he said. “The rankings also reflect the continuous efforts of our University community—one that works collaboratively, diligently and intelligently to achieve the Spiritan mission of service to students.”
