Mars Hill University Jumps Ten Spots in Latest U.S. News Ranking

September 12, 2022

Mars Hill University Jumps Ten Spots in Latest U.S. News Ranking

One of the country’s top college rankings guides gives Mars Hill University high marks.

The university’s ranking in the category of Best Regional Colleges – South jumped ten spots, from number 29 last year to number 19 for 2022–23. U.S. News defines regional colleges as those with a strong focus on the liberal arts and programs such as business and nursing, and with a primary focus on undergraduate education.

“Jumping ten places in a national ranking when the competition is so fierce is a tribute to the people who work at Mars Hill University,” said MHU President Tony Floyd. “Over the last few years, we have experienced significant change and a lot of headwinds during the pandemic, but our people have selflessly given to our students and it is showing. Our dedication to being student-centric is causing us to rise across the board and word is spreading, people are noticing.”

“I’m proud to be associated with a remarkably dedicated faculty and staff,” added Tracy Parkinson, executive vice president and provost at MHU. “When we see successful students and programs here, it is a direct result of their commitment.”

U.S. News also rated Mars Hill as the number-two institution in the category of Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Colleges (South). That category recognizes the top-ranked schools that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees.

“I am very proud that we have risen to #2 in the military ranking,” said Floyd. “Many schools are focused on this and the fact that we are singled out as being excellent for military families is heartwarming. We will continue to do everything within our power to help our military heroes and their families find their paths in life.”

Mars Hill also made the list of Best Value Schools, coming in at number 27. U.S. News describes that category this way:

“The calculation used here takes into account a school’s academic quality, as indicated by its 2022-2023 U.S. News Best Colleges ranking, and the 2021-2022 net cost of attendance for an out-of-state student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included because U.S. News considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically.”

U.S. News also gave MHU high marks as a Top Performer in Social Mobility, which it defines as schools which do a good job of helping economically disadvantaged students enroll and persist through graduation.

The rankings are based on such criteria as academic peer assessments, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni support. U.S. News describes its rankings as the most comprehensive guide to colleges and college admissions. The rankings were released online on September 12, 2022, and also will be published in the “Best Colleges 2023” guidebook in October.