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Converse Maintains Top-15 Position in Latest U.S. News and World Report Rankings

Submitted by: Eric Lawson on Aug 25, 2008 at 11:25 pm Tagged with: art, College, Creativity, Education, rankings, Science, Women Source: Converse College

In 2008, Converse College catapulted five spots to being named #14 in the annual U.S. News & World Report rankings for Southern colleges and universities. In the 2009 rankings, Converse maintained its #14 status among the top-15 ranked institutions.

The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on such statistical measures as student SAT scores, graduation rates and faculty salaries, as well as a subjective measure of academic reputation.

“We are certainly pleased to have such a strong position in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. We know that students and parents use the report in their college search process,” said Converse President, Dr. Betsy Fleming. “Our ranking in the top-15 reflects our commitment to delivering a personalized, distinct and excellent educational experience. We are also very pleased to, again, be ranked as a best value school in the South.”

As part of the College’s new strategic vision and plan launched in 2007, Converse has prioritized a commitment to lead in the cultivation of creative thinking across all disciplines, both in and out of the classroom. Fleming states, “This is an exciting time in the life of this college. Converse is on the rise, growing in recognition for our work to develop adaptable, creative thinkers and doers for the twenty-first century.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings will be published in the magazine’s August 27 issue, on newsstands Monday, August 25, and available online at www.usnews.com/colleges beginning today.

About Converse College
Founded in 1889 and located in Spartanburg, South Carolina – home to six colleges and 10,000 college students – Converse is a nationally recognized master’s university that cultivates creative thinking across the disciplines and produces adaptable citizens committed to progress. Undergraduate women develop their unique voices and career paths through our challenging liberal arts curriculum; century-old honor tradition, and Daniels Center for Leadership and Service. Our close-knit residential community cultivates a spirit of sisterhood and enterprise among women diverse in backgrounds and interests. Across the disciplines, from art and design to science, business, music and education, professors actively mentor and challenge students through spirited discussions inside and outside of the classroom. The Nisbet Honors Program, Petrie School of Music, independent and collaborative research opportunities, leading national debate teams, study abroad and internship programs, and a 9:1 student/faculty ratio differentiate the Converse learning community.

Converse competes in NCAA Division II athletics – the highest level of any women’s college, is the only women’s college on the All-Steinway School roster, and is consistently top ranked by U.S. News & World Report.