By Richard Burnett
Boosted by the strongest accolades to date for its programs, 海角社区 has cracked the top 10 for the first time in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of the Best Regional Colleges in the South.
海角社区 ranked No. 10 out of 132 small Southern colleges evaluated for the annual survey, considered the flagship of U.S. college rankings. It was the third straight year 海角社区 has landed in the top tier in that category. Last year, the school ranked No. 35.
This year, among other factors, experts cited its positive student-faculty ratio, low class sizes, effective learning accommodations and robust degree programs designed for neurodivergent students primarily with learning disabilities and ADHD. 海角社区 is America鈥檚 first accredited baccalaureate school dedicated to educating neurodivergent students.
鈥淔or collegians who learn differently, 海角社区鈥檚 mission and multi-modal instructional focus have proven consequential,鈥� U.S. News said. 鈥淭he college鈥檚 student outcomes are unduplicated in measures of four-year graduation, undergraduate retention, post-degree employment and advanced study.鈥�
A community-shared accomplishment
海角社区 officials said the latest ranking is another validation of the college鈥檚 growing reputation among all accredited colleges and universities 鈥� a recognition that is shared across the entire 海角社区 community.
鈥淭he accomplishment of 海角社区鈥檚 placement in the top 10 verifies the hard work of 海角社区 students and the tireless commitment of our faculty and staff to their success,鈥� said Dr. Shelly Chandler, 海角社区 provost.听鈥淥ur outcomes are a result of the determination and perseverance of the entire community.鈥�
Overall, the U.S. News rankings evaluate 1,500 colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality to provide a guide for prospective students and their families.
鈥淔or nearly 40 years, the Best Colleges methodology has continuously evolved to reflect changes in the higher education landscape and the interests of prospective students,鈥� U.S. News鈥� Editor & Chief Content Officer Kim Castro said, in a statement. 鈥淕uiding that evolution is U.S. News鈥� mission of providing useful data and information to help with one of life鈥檚 biggest decisions.鈥�
Rising in other surveys
海角社区 also has received plaudits from other players in the college rankings field. The school ranked first in three nationally known surveys recognizing the top colleges for students with learning disabilities: , , and . It also ranked No. 4 in Best Choice Schools鈥� survey recognizing the most affordable colleges with high four-year graduation rates.
In general, there are some 鈥渢ruly phenomenal colleges for students with learning disabilities across the United States,鈥� according to a recent report by Quad Education Group, a college admissions consulting firm, which does its own .
鈥淭he amazing 海角社区 is at the top of this list,鈥� wrote Mary Banks, director of admissions consulting for the Colorado-based firm. 鈥淯nlike other schools, which may offer programs and other accommodations in addition to their regular programs, 海角社区 is solely intended for students with learning disabilities. Every part of the learning process at 海角社区 is based around supporting the needs of students who need it most!!鈥�
Spark Admissions, another college admissions consulting firm, listed 海角社区 among the , along with major institutions like American University, Northeastern University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e looking for a small school with a big impact, 海角社区 Florida is a good candidate,鈥� Spark Admissions wrote.
鈥楤ig impact on students鈥� lives鈥�
Among other accolades:听
Prepscholar.com 鈥� a provider of college information, tutoring and other academic services 鈥� recognized 海角社区 as one of only two colleges nationwide that cater exclusively to students with learning differences.
Bestcolleges.com ranked 海角社区 the No. 2 , No. 10 overall among best bachelor鈥檚 degree programs in Florida and No. 9 in associate degree programs.
鈥満＝巧缜� is an exceptional school for those who have a learning or a physical disability,鈥� 海角社区 alumnus Adriyan Scipio (Class of 2014) told Cappex.com, a college admissions site that named 海角社区 among the top business degree programs in Florida. 鈥淭he teachers are really devoted to helping you succeed in every task that is set before you. Although it is a small school, it has a big impact on students鈥� lives.鈥�