Some local colleges and universities are cited by U.S. News and World Report in its 2017 America’s Best Colleges rankings. The University at Buffalo remains in the 'top 50' for the third year in a row for public colleges.
UB to the 43rd spot from number 45 last year. UB's Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Scott Weber tells WBFO News the school has been making strides in many areas to improve the experience for students.
"We really, I think, have continued to work very, very hard at serving our students and providing a great academic experience that includes things like reducing their time to a degree, trying to reduce their debt load," said Weber.
Weber also points to UB's new general education curriculum and providing new learning spaces, like the Silverman Library. Weber said the University continues to hire faculty from all over the U.S. and world.
Other area schools also posted well in various categories in the rankings. Niagara University is featured in four categories by U.S. News, “Best Regional Universities (North),” “Great Schools, Great Prices,” “Best Colleges for Veterans,” and “Foreign Student Factor.”.
“We are pleased that the excellent quality of Niagara University’s academic programs and our commitment to affordability, accessibility, veterans and diversity continues to be praised by U.S. News & World Report,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “Continuing to be included on these types of lists is a testament to our faculty, staff and administrators, and another step toward our vision of becoming one of the best comprehensive universities in the world."
This is the fifth straight year that Niagara has risen in the rankings in top tier of institutions in the northern United States that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Niagara rose to the 44th spot in the North this year.
Another regional, Catholic college is also pleased with its rankings. St. Bonaventure University is ranked number six in the list of 'best values' in the north. It's the second-highest ranking for any regional university in New York. Bona is also ranked number 2 for value in New York State.
"The recognition doesn’t surprise me at all,” said Dr. Andrew Roth, interim president of St. Bonaventure. “This is St. Bonaventure. This is one of the finest Catholic universities in the country, and I think even if you drop the Catholic modifier, this is one of the finest universities in the country. I could have easily stayed retired,” Roth said, “but the opportunity to lead an institution of this caliber for even a year was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
Canisius College also rose to the 23rd spot in the 2017 rankings for Regional Universities in the North. Canisius moved up four spots from 2015.
“I am gratified to see Canisius College recognized as one of the best regional universities in the North,” says Canisius President John J. Hurley. “This is a reflection of the tremendous efforts of our faculty and staff to provide a first-class education and experience for our students, and the numerous initiatives we have undertaken in the past few years to improve the college.”