National Publications Give Mars Hill University High Rankings

Two national magazines which publish respected college ranking guides again have given Mars Hill University high marks. For the second straight year, Mars Hill University ranks in the top 20 colleges in the South in the U.S. News and World Report rankings. The magazine also ranks Mars Hill as a top performer on social mobility, a “best value” school, and one of the best colleges for veterans—all categories in which the university traditionally shines. The university also moved up 15 spots in Washington Monthly’s annual College Guide and Rankings, which rank four-year schools based on their contribution to the public good.

U.S. News puts Mars Hill in the 33rd spot among colleges in the South in its ranking for social mobility, up from 52nd last year. That category focuses on institutions which enroll and graduate large proportions of economically disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants.

Washington Monthly uses categories of social mobility, research, and promoting public service as the basis for its rankings. Mars Hill ranks 74th nationally out of nearly 250 schools included. Among the criteria used for the overall ranking, Mars Hill ranked 13th in Pell Performance, and in the top 50 in the ways its faculty engages in research and its students engage in service.

“These recognitions underscore our commitment to advancing social mobility,” Mars Hill University President Tony Floyd said. “In a world where economically disadvantaged students face significant hurdles in accessing and completing higher education, our institution stands out as a beacon of hope. We are dedicated to enrolling and empowering a diverse community of students and ensuring their successful graduation.”

U.S. News rated Mars Hill University 20th in the category of Best Regional Colleges – South. The rankings are based on such criteria as graduation rates, financial resources, faculty resources, borrower debt, incoming students’ college entrance exam scores, and reputation among peer institutions.

The magazine also rated Mars Hill at number 27 in the category of Best Value Schools in the South. That category rates schools based on their academic quality and net cost of attendance for an out-of-state student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.

U.S. News puts MHU at number 12 position for Best Regional Colleges in the South for veterans, recognizing schools that make pursuing a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members.

Complete rankings from U.S. News and World Report are available on the magazine’s website at www.usnews.com/colleges. Washington Monthly’s rankings are at washingtonmonthly.com/2023-college-guide.