09/13/2021 McMurry News

(Abilene, Texas – Sept. 13, 2021) McMurry University is proud to be recognized for the 26th consecutive year as a top-ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report Best College Guide. McMurry University ranked 11th in the first tier of top-ranked institutions in the West Region of Best Regional Colleges. In addition, McMurry has also improved rankings in several categories.

2021 Rankings for McMurry University include:
#11 Regional Colleges West
#4 Best Value Schools
#4 Best Colleges for Veterans
#17 Top Performers in Social Mobility

The University is recognized in the Best Value category as the number-four school in the West region. To determine which colleges and universities offer the best value for students, U.S. News considers both academic quality and cost. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the greater the value. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included because U.S. News considers the highest value to be among colleges that are above average academically.

“Choosing to continue their education beyond high school is the first step to gaining critical thinking skills and encouragement that can transform students’ lives,” said Dr. Sandra S. Harper, McMurry University president. “McMurry wants to make sure that the education they obtain at McMurry is the balance of quality and affordability. Our rankings this year again illustrate that McMurry is achieving this balance when you consider how our regional, value and social mobility rankings come together.”

McMurry was once again a top performer in social mobility, taking the 17th spot in the West region. By enrolling and graduating a large proportion of economically disadvantaged students supported with Pell Grants, McMurry exemplifies its deep commitment to student success. McMurry is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and is actively focused on advancing STEM careers for all students with a special focus on Latinx students.

The top 20 schools in Tier 1 are numerically ranked in all categories, while schools in tiers 2, 3 and 4 are listed alphabetically. According to U.S. News and World Report, rankings are based on seven categories: assessment by administrators at peer institutions, retention of students, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation rate performance.

McMurry underscores its pledge of affordability with its Community Commitment program, which reduces tuition by half or more for new undergraduates with a history or heritage of community service. Students are eligible if they, a parent, legal guardian or spouse is currently employed full time in public service as a first responder, in education, healthcare or ministry; or with a nonprofit. Incoming freshmen and transfer students applying for fall 2022 admittance are eligible to receive the Community Commitment.

Dr. Harper adds, “McMurry’s dedication to its students and student’s success continues to be the driving factor that allows the level of quality programming that McMurry provides. To have our faculty and staff’s diligence and work rewarded by ranking, yet again, in this category is very fulfilling.”

Press Contact

Alaisha Montanez ’11
marketing@mcm.edu
325-260-3963