By Jeff Murphy,
September 11, 2020
WARRENSBURG, MO – In a salute to institutions of higher education it considers “academically
outstanding and well worth consideration” for students in search of a degree, The Princeton Review has named the University of Central Missouri one of the “Best in the Midwest” colleges
and universities.
Collectively, the 655 colleges on The Princeton Review’s “regional best” lists represent approximately 22 percent of the nation’s 3,000 four-year colleges, both
public and private. UCM is one of only four public institutions in Missouri to be named among the “Best in the Midwest” schools.
The Princeton Review notes comments from a UCM senior, who states, “With small class
sizes, a tradition of excellence, and affordable tuition, UCM is an excellent choice
for those who are looking for the most bang for their buck.”
It also notes, “The school offers over 150 undergraduate degree programs and, as at
any larger school, student experiences vary by major department. However, most undergraduates
are delighted with their decision to attend UCM, noting the surprisingly open and
‘friendly’ demeanor of the school’s faculty and staff. You won’t feel like a number
at UCM, where professors ‘know your name, are accessible outside the classroom, and
want you to learn something of value in their classes.’”
The feature states that at UCM, while many students hail from rural communities, “You’ll
also meet students from a variety of different countries, states and cities.” Additionally,
“There is a large population of non-traditional students and the school goes out of
its way to make sure those students have access to all the necessary resources.”
The 158 colleges that The Princeton Review chose for its “Best in the Midwest” 2021
list are located in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Princeton Review is an online resource that many individuals turn to for help in making
choices about where to pursue a higher education. The popular education services company
listed UCM in its website feature “2021 Best Colleges Region by Region.” UCM is one
of 158 schools from a 12-state Midwestern region that were recognized by The Princeton
Review. These schools also are included among the total number of colleges that The
Princeton Review recognized from Northeast, Southeast, West and International regions.
"I’m very proud of our faculty and staff for the commitment they make each day to
ensure we are providing quality academic programs, while focusing on helping our students
succeed in their education at UCM,” said Roger J. Best, UCM president. “Recognition
by The Princeton Review is an honor for the university that certainly reflects our
dedication to serving students and exceptional work of many individuals across campus.”
According to Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor-in-in-chief, the company
considered data from its survey of administrators at several hundred colleges in each
region, information from staff visits to schools over the years, and the opinions
of college counselors and advisors whose perspectives the company solicits.
The Princeton Review survey provided an opportunity for students to rate their colleges
on many issues and respond to questions about themselves, their fellow students, and
campus life. Quotes from students who are surveyed are included in the school profiles
that are published online.
Headquartered in New York, NY, The Princeton Review is an education services company
known for its tutoring, test-prep, books, and other student resources. It is not affiliated
with Princeton University. Visit PrincetonReview.com to learn more.