Elmira College Continues To Rank Well in 2021

Elmira, NY (09/13/2021) — Today, the US News and World Report announced its Best Colleges rankings and Elmira College continues to rank well based on factors such as access to professors, graduation and retention rates, impact on the community, and student success. Some of the key highlights include being ranked #9 in Regional Colleges North and #4 and #5 for the Undergraduate Teaching and Best Value subcategories.

You can find the full set of Best Colleges on the U.S. News and World Report website and learn more about the additional high honors Elmira College recently received here.

While each publication tends to have its own ranking methodology, U.S. News and World Report places a lot of its emphasis on graduation and retention rates. This means that students who attend Elmira College are likely to stay and successfully earn their degrees.

"Given that we believe in celebrating and supporting our students, it is no surprise to the Elmira College community that we perform well on retention and graduation metrics," said Dr. Charles Lindsay, president. "Today, this means bringing together a liberal arts education with professional programs and providing students opportunities to grow into leaders who are ready to face the challenges and complexities of today's world."

U.S. News Report also looks at the academic reputation of the college's undergraduate programs. This is based on a peer assessment survey sent to presidents, provosts and deans of admissions who rate the academic quality of institutions they are familiar with.

Another important metric is based on how much individual attention students can receive from their teachers. The publication specifically looks at class sizes, the student-faculty ratio, and the percent of faculty who have the highest degree in their field. Elmira College boasts a 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a professional faculty who emphasize experiential learning and hands-on instruction.

The amount spent per student is also factored into the overall score and indicates that the college offers a wide variety of programs and services. Elmira College recently launched several new programs including an actuarial and financial science degree, a sustainability minor and the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business school with minors and concentrations in fashion marketing and fashion merchandising. The College continues to develop new programs and offers students writing and career services even after they graduate. Students can also take advantage of the more than 70 clubs and organizations on campus.

"This report recognizes the value we place on academic excellence and a student-centered education," said Lindsay. "We will always strive to fulfill our mission to provide a collaborative and supportive environment that enables students to become active learners, effective leaders, responsible community members and globally engaged citizens."

About Elmira College

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries. Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the U.S., which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Media Attachments

US News and World Report announced its Best Colleges rankings and Elmira College ranked #9 in Regional Colleges North and #4 and #5 for the Undergraduate Teaching and Best Value subcategories.

Elmira College continues to rank well in publication rankings like US News and World Report, Washington Monthly and The Princeton Review based on factors such as access to professors, graduation and retention rates, impact on the community, and student success.