Office of Public Relations

Pomona, NJ 08240

 

Stockton Scores Impressive Gain in Americas Best Colleges Rankings

Moves Up to Third Tier Nationally Among Liberal Arts Colleges

 

For Immediate Release

Monday, August 22, 2005

Contact: Tim Kelly

Stockton Public Relations

(609) 652-4950

 

GALLOWAY TWP., NJ The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey stepped up in its overall national rankings in the U.S. News and World Report Americas Best Colleges issue released today.

 

The College, ranked among the Top Five public liberal arts colleges in the nation for two of the last three years, improved its overall ranking in the private-school dominated list from the fourth tier nationally, to the third. First tier schools are listed by rank, up to 110, with third and fourth tier schools listed alphabetically.

 

It is a fine accomplishment to advance to a new plateau in the U.S. News rankings, President Herman J. Saatkamp said, particularly considering the vast majority of the institutions with which we compete are private, with established histories and considerable endowments. Stockton, established by state legislation in 1969, is one of New Jerseys youngest institutions of higher education.

 

Saatkamp said he was pleased to have Stocktons excellence recognized in a national context. People have come to rely on surveys such as U.S. News for an assessment of what different colleges have to offer. It is satisfying that a public institution offering Stocktons access and affordability receives appropriate recognition. We should be mentioned in the company of the elite liberal arts institutions public and private nationwide.

 

This year, the only other public liberal arts colleges in the third tier are the University of Minnesota, Morris, and the University of North Carolina, Asheville. Stockton remains among only six public liberal arts colleges listed in the top three tiers in the nation.

 

Clearly, Stockton is an elite liberal arts college with a national reputation, and its improved U.S. News ranking adds to that status.

 

In recent years. The U.S. News rankings issue has become one of the most eagerly anticipated publications of the year in higher education circles. It has become known as a well-respected consumer-guide for parents and prospective college students.

 

Stockton, a 7,000 student public liberal arts college is part of the New Jersey higher education system and is nestled in a unique Pine Barrens setting just 10 miles from the beaches of Atlantic City and the other Southern New Jersey seashore resorts.