U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best College Rankings have been released, recognizing Saint Martin’s University as one of the Best Universities in the Western Region. The report ranks Saint Martin’s University 16th in Best Value, 34th in Social Mobility, and 42nd overall among Best Regional Universities.
This rating is not surprising given the many reasons students have chosen St. Martin’s over the years. Generous financial aid, strong undergraduate and professional academic programs, dedicated faculty, and a vibrant campus life make college accessible. The U.S. News & World Report ranking joins the university’s 2024-2025 10 College of Distinction national awards announced earlier this year. These independent reviews confirm that the University is known for its remarkable value and transformative experience in delivering higher education to include first-generation and disadvantaged students.
“For many years, we have prided ourselves on providing an affordable education, supporting military personnel, offering valuable career opportunities like the Saints Promise program, and offering rigorous, professional programs. ” said Dr. David Olwell, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Science and Hal & Inge Marcus Faculty of Engineering. “These awards help us recognize the important contributions we make to the wider community.”
U.S. News & World Report names St. Martin’s University a ‘Best Value College’ in Washington and Western States
U.S. News & World Report’s rankings are determined by criteria such as first-year student retention. graduation rates; social mobility; Class size. Faculty Resources. Expert opinion. student excellence. Borrower’s debt. Alumni donations. and other data. The report’s Western region includes universities in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Saint Martin’s University’s three notable rankings highlight the university’s commitment to serving local, regional, and national students, including nontraditional undergraduates.
US News & World Report Ranking #16 – Regional Universities (Western)
The Best Value ranking highlights Saint Martin’s commitment to providing an excellent education at an affordable price. The university offers numerous scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and innovative programs like Saints Promise designed to help students graduate with optimal outcomes and minimal debt.
US News & World Report Social Mobility Ranking #34 – Regional Universities (West)
The report’s Social Mobility Ranking examines the extent to which universities educate economically disadvantaged students and contribute to improving their social mobility. This Social Mobility Ranking recognizes Saint Martin’s success in supporting students from low-income backgrounds. It reflects the efforts of the university.
U.S. News & World Report Ranking #42 – Regional Universities (West)
This ranking places Saint Martin’s among the top institutions in the Western region, highlighting the university’s high-quality academic programs, dedicated faculty, strong campus life, and successful post-university trajectory.
Saint Martin’s Social Mobility Ranking is consistent with the university’s message that all students are welcome and ‘you belong here’
Saint Martin’s University has over 1,300 undergraduate and 250 postgraduate students from a variety of backgrounds. Providing warmth and acceptance in welcoming others is one of the Benedictine values embedded in the mission of Catholic universities. “St Martin’s offers great value in education, while also offering great value,” Olwell explains.
Rankings like U.S. News & World Report also include the magazine’s social mobility research, which shows that disadvantaged students experience improvements in their lives after graduating from St. Martin’s. It focuses on how people are fully embracing the call to welcome others. Olwell added that the university is committed to fostering successful experiences throughout students’ college careers. He says the university’s message is: “You belong here, we want you here, and we accept you here.”
Approximately 40% of Saint Martin’s students are the first in their families to attend university. These students, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are able to attend university and open career doors because of their university’s commitment to making education more accessible. “We work hard to recruit and support them,” Olwell said. “We welcome them as part of our community and are proud to be a part of their journey.”
St. Martin’s University Financial Aid Office helps new students finance higher education
Dubbed not only the “Best Value” but also the “Great Affordable College,” Saint Martin’s offers resources to help new students navigate their financial aid options. “Our mission is to support all students, including potential students in our county, Washington, and our nation,” says Financial Aid Director Erin Schaefer. “We want them to understand financial aid and everything that comes with it.”
Most incoming students are first-generation college attendees or come from disadvantaged backgrounds, Schaefer said. The Financial Aid Office partners with students as they advance their higher education journey by providing information and expertise on scholarships, grants, and loans.
To learn more about attending this Olympia-area university, recognized as a “best value,” visit the University of Saint Martin’s website.
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