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Student loan debt is at an all-time high, leaving 45 million Americans in the hole. Is college really worth it?
USA TODAY
Butler University named the best university in the Midwest for the second consecutive year in US News and World Report's annual ranking of the nation's colleges and universities; released today.
Butler also topped the list of “most innovative” schools for the fifth year in a row and named the best school for veterans among Midwest Regional Universities.
“I am pleased that our ranking reflects the high quality of education we provide at Butler University,” President James Danko said in a news release. “In addition to a highly engaged educational experience, thanks to our outstanding faculty, we continue to emphasize the importance of innovation, which creates an environment that supports our students and challenges them to succeed.”
Taylor University remained at the top of the Best Midwest Colleges list and ranked second in the Midwest for its focus on undergraduate students. It was also named the 14th “best value” among Midwest colleges.
In the national ranking, the University of Notre Dame it finished higher than all Indiana schools, tying for the 15th best university in the nation. It was also named 11th best in the country for undergraduate teaching and 24th “best value” in the country.
Purdue University-West Lafayette tied for 57th in the nation and Indiana University – Bloomington tied for 79th place. Both schools also made the list of the nation's top public colleges. Purdue tied for 18th best public school and IU for 31st, up eight spots from last year. IU also ranks as the 10th best business program in the country.
“While rankings can never tell the whole story of a campus, these latest rankings from US News help reflect the success of our strategic initiatives on campus to ensure positive student outcomes, enhance the diversity of our community, of our scholars and increasing support for our impact. research enterprise,” Lauren Robel, IU Bloomington professor and executive vice president, said in a news release.
Purdue was also named the sixth most innovative school in the country and has the ninth best undergraduate engineering program among schools whose highest degree is a Ph.D.
Ball State University ranks tied for 95th on the list of best public schools nationally.
Marian University moved up the regional rankings this year, reaching 30th among Midwest universities. It also tied for 6th most innovative in the Midwest and 15th “best value” — both increases from last year's rankings.
It has long been recognized as a mechanical force, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has been recognized as the best undergraduate engineering program in the country for the 21st year in a row.
Several Indiana schools also made the list of best liberal arts colleges in the country. DePauw University ranked 46th, Wabash College ranked 53rd and Earlham College ranked 80th this year.
You can find the complete rankings for all Indiana schools at the US News and World Report website.
Call IndyStar education reporter Arika Herron at 317-201-5620 or email her at Arika.Herron@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron.
