Muskingum University Ranks 1st Among Ohio Schools for Second Year in U.S. News & World Report University Rankings

09/26/2024

For the second year, Muskingum University is a top performer among Ohio universities in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 rankings for the Regional Midwest. The University ranked 1^st among Ohio universities both in Best Value Schools and in Social Mobility. The University ranked 8^th and 7^th, respectively, among all universities in the Regional Midwest.

"One of our institutional values is providing access for all learners to an affordable and exceptional educational experience that prepares them for a great future," President Susan S. Hasseler said. "The rankings acknowledge the work we are doing to ensure all our students thrive."

Affordability matters in finding the best fit school. To determine which colleges and universities offer the best value for students, U.S. News & World Report factors academic quality and cost after accounting for total expenses and financial aid. According to U.S. News & World Report, "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."

At Muskingum University, 100 percent of the undergraduate population receives financial aid, which is made possible through support received from alumni and friends of the University in addition to state and federal funds. With that financial aid, the cost to attend Muskingum is comparable to that of Ohio's four-year public institutions.

Students with economic challenges are less likely than others to finish college. The Top Performers in Social Mobility rankings are given to schools that focus on students who are from low-income backgrounds, by "enrolling and graduating students who received federal Pell Grants." Social mobility considers graduation rates for students who received federal Pell Grants, financial aid that is typically reserved for those with annual household family incomes below $50,000. Close to half of Muskingum's undergraduate students are eligible for Pell Grants.

The 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings are now in its 40^th year. The latest edition assesses 1,500 U.S. bachelor's degree-granting institutions on 17 key measures of academic quality for National Universities and 13 for National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities and Regional Colleges.