HSU Ranked Among Best Universities in the West

Hardin-Simmons was once again named one of the best universities in the West by the 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings. HSU ranked #33 on the list placing it in the top third of the 126 schools recognized from the western region.

“Hardin-Simmons University has long been recognized for academic excellence,” Dr. Thomas V. Brisco, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, said. “The faculty are outstanding teachers and engaged scholars who care deeply about their students.”

Hardin-Simmons’ overall score increased two points from last year. The scores are determined by seven key measures of quality: graduation and retention rates, assessment of excellence, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance, and alumni giving.

Since last year’s report, Hardin-Simmons’ freshman retention rate increased by 2%, and the graduation rate increased by 1%.

HSU also scored particularly high in the faculty resources category due to the 12:1 student to faculty ratio and small class size.

“Students benefit greatly in the personal touch afforded by smaller classes,” Dr. Brisco said. “Likewise the staff of the university are skilled professionals who are equally devoted to the success of our students.”

The report called HSU an oasis in West Texas where the warmth of family is the vitality of its academic program. It praised HSU’s supportive and spirited community as a place where relationships really matter.

As a part of their rankings, U.S. News and World Reports considered more than 1,600 accredited four-year schools nationwide. HSU’s ranking was considered alongside many other larger schools in the Regional Universities category which includes institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs with a few doctoral programs.

For more information and a full list of rankings, visit www.usnews.com.