Marquette has received a lot of national attention in the last few years, both good and bad. In the eyes of one organization, though, the university’s reputation couldn’t be higher.
Marquette was recently named a college of distinction by Student Horizons, a group of parents and 25,000 guidance counselors, putting it in the ranks of previously cited colleges like Fordham and St. Norbert’s. The Austin-based group used four tenets as its criteria: engagement, teaching, community and outcomes.
The organization helps high school seniors make the transition to college by identifying schools that are strong academically.
“We felt that Marquette offered an exemplary undergraduate experience,” said Wesley Creel, founder and CEO of Student Horizons.
Student Horizons puts out the list through a newsletter and e-guide book for students to serve as an alternative ranking system to the popular rankings provided by U.S. News & World Report.
The process of choosing which schools go on the list, however, is long.
“It’s a yearlong process on our part,” Creel said. “In September or early October, schools are nominated. We then spend the rest of the time deciding on which schools to choose, and in May invite schools to participate (in the rankings).”
The vetting process takes into account, among other factors, student-teacher ratios and overall retention and graduation statistics.
Though the organization is not accredited, the ranked schools receive a certificate of participation, a school profile in the e-newsletter sent to high school seniors and an icon to be used on marketing materials.
The university is proud of the recognition, said Kate Venne, director of university communication.
“Marquette is justifiably proud when others recognize the quality of our academic programs,” Venne said in an email. “At the same time, such rankings are just one factor that should be used in assessing a program or university.”
Students like Megan Dabney, a fifth-year senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, feel the accolade is earned.
“I feel that education-wise, (Marquette is) excellent,” Dabney said. “I like the small classes and quality of professors.”
