Grand Rapids, Mich. (Friday, August 18, 2006) -

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Aquinas College is again listed among the top tier of colleges in the Midwest offering masters' programs, according to the 2007 edition of U.S.News & World Report's survey of America's Best Colleges. The rankings, released today, show Aquinas listed as 47th among schools on the "Best Universities - Master's" (Midwest Region) category list.

"We are pleased that through a combination of peer assessment and institutional analysis by U.S.News and World Report, Aquinas has once again been recognized as one of the top tier masters' institutions in the Midwest," said C. Edward Balog, interim president of Aquinas College. "The general recognition of the quality of an Aquinas education is also indicated by the enrollment of the largest freshman class in the history of the College," he added.

Aquinas welcomed its largest freshmen class Thursday (Aug. 17) when most of the 428 members of the Class of 2010 moved onto campus to begin two days of orientation. That number eclipses the previous record freshmen class from last year when 396 freshmen were enrolled at the College. Classes for students begin Monday, August 21.
The annual USN&WR survey summarizes an array of factors gleaned from data collected from officials from 557 higher education institutions nationwide. The survey assesses the data from more than a dozen key measurements to develop the top schools for each category. Aquinas was 46th on the same list last year.

Using a multitude of criteria – including student retention rate, graduation rate, student/faculty ratios, and average alumni giving – USN&WR publishes detailed rankings of the colleges each fall. USN&WR officials stress that the list is designed as a guide to provide parents and students with an objective source of information to help in the college decision-making process. Students are encouraged to schedule campus visits and to meet with school counselors or faculty.