Graphic by Nicola Wenz
Pepperdine University ranked 46 out of 312 national institutions of higher learning in the 2019 National University Ranking according to U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges. This marks the third time that Pepperdine is placed within the top 50 universities in the United Sates.
President Andrew K. Benton said he is grateful that out of the 4,300 other colleges and universities in the country, Pepperdine is considered one of the “very best.”
“What pleases me the most is the fact that we do this while honoring our faith heritage and our commitment to teaching,” Benton said. “This is very unique and worthy of honor, in my view.”
How are the rankings calculated?
The rankings evaluate colleges and universities on 16 measures of academic quality, according to an article published on the U.S News and World Report website. Each university is classified into 14 categories, each incorporated into six subcategories and weighted individually.
- Outcomes (social mobility and graduation rates), weighted at 35 percent
- Faculty resources (class size and faculty salary), weighted at 20 percent
- Expert opinion (peer and high school counsellor assessment), weighted at 20 percent
- Financial resources, weighted at 10 percent
- Student excellence (standardized tests and high school class standing), weighted at 10 percent
- Alumni giving, weighted at five percent
The Dean of Seaver College Michael Feltner said he is ecstatic about the ranking and that it is particularly nice to see that Pepperdine has climbed in the rankings over the past few years.
“Any time you are in the top 50 of colleges and universities in the U.S., that’s a pretty elite category to put yourself in,” Feltner said. “I think, as dean, what I am concerned about isn’t so much how we are ranked, but looking at those things that make a difference to students.”
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (OIE) provides institutional research and leadership in the areas of accreditation and assessment for Pepperdine University. The OIE recorded Pepperdine’s ranking since 2012 and according to a report, Pepperdine increased from 55 in 2012 to 46 in 2019.
Pepperdine students said they are excited about this ranking.
Senior Danielle Vandusen said she expected to see Pepperdine as part of the top universities due to its positive academic standing.
“I don’t understand why Pepperdine isn’t yet in the top 40,” Vandusen said. “The small class sizes make it possible for my professors to challenge me in a strong academic environment, allowing me to really learn the material and push me to becoming a better medical student. I am truly blessed to say I go to Pepperdine.”
Pepperdine senior and Women’s Golf team member, Patricia Wong, said she is proud to represent such a top university.
“I am proud to represent the number 46 ranked university in the nation,” Wong said. “Every time I wear the Pepperdine uniform to play, I feel honored and very appreciative of the opportunity I am given.”
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Follow Nicola Wenz on Twitter at: @nicocowenz
