USC named one of the Great Colleges for the Real World
Pueblo -- Author Michael Viollt recently
named the University of Southern Colorado one of 201 Great Colleges for the Real
World in the book by the same name. Great Colleges for the Real World highlights
schools that serve the needs of today's consumer-oriented students and that
graduate students prepared for the world of work.
USC ranked second of five schools included from the state of Colorado relative
to its response to current student demands, hitting its marks in a wide range of
areas such as graduation rate, retention rates, minority enrollment and low
per-student administrative costs. No universities from states surrounding
Colorado -- Kansas, Wyoming, New Mexico, or Utah - were included in the list.
USC recorded the lowest tuition and the most diverse student population of any
of the Colorado schools included in the list. USC earned an
"exceptional" rating with regard to ease of access and admission for
the "average profile" student. USC tied with the University of Denver
and the University of Colorado - Denver with "above average" marks on
the Market Response indicator, which ranks how other students view the college
in terms of responsiveness to basic student needs and trends.
"To be listed among less than five percent of America's 4,000+ universities
as a "Great College for the Real World" brings me great pride because
it is recognition that we are a welcoming, student-centered institution, which
puts the needs and dreams of students first," USC President Ron Applbaum.
"Tomorrow's successful universities will be those that forge active and
reciprocal partnerships both on and off campus and that tailor their programs
and services to meet the ever changing needs of its student population."
According to Viollt, the profile of a typical college student has changed
dramatically over the past few decades, with only 15 percent of all college
students being recent high school graduates who pack their bags and go away to
college. He said today's student is more likely to be
a financially-independent, working adult balancing college with family, social
activities, work, and other responsibilities. This demographic change caused him
to rethink the criteria typically represented in other college rankings as being
important to college choice.
The colleges were evaluated in five summary areas:
Opportunity for the general student population to get
into and pay for college
The relative success of previous classes in graduating
in a timely fashion
The commitment made by the school to develop career
opportunities
The overall college experience
Recent market response to the college or university
The University of Southern Colorado is a regional, comprehensive university
emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying
excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and
outreach, USC is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality
of services provided to its students.
