JBU Tops U.S. News Best Value List for Second Year

For the second year in a row, U.S. News and World Report has named John Brown University the No. 1 Best Value among Southern colleges. The magazine named JBU the No. 2 overall college in the South, making this the fifth year in a row JBU has held the first or second ranking.

“Our U.S. News ranking is one example of the recognition that JBU has received for bringing the highest caliber of Christian higher education at the best possible value to students and their families,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president. “We are deeply grateful to be able to teach excellent students through exceptional faculty and staff in outstanding facilities, and to have that good work noticed by others. However, we are most grateful for the many ways that JBU students go out into the world to honor God and serve others — for that is the best measure of our mission.”

The rankings released today will be published in the U.S. News Best Colleges 2014 issue. JBU is ranked against 99 Southern regional college peers. This was the tenth consecutive year JBU was ranked in the top 10.

“Attending college is a significant investment of time and resources,” said Don Crandall, vice president for enrollment management. “Having this great endorsement from the top college ranking instrument reinforces our message for prospective students and parents that JBU is one of the best buys in Christian higher education today.”

The ranking echoes the positive momentum recently enjoyed by JBU. This month, JBU announced a $2 million endowment to support the newly renamed Donald G. Soderquist College of Business. This summer the university opened the 17,000-square foot Simmons Great Hall, and the Northslope Apartments student housing complexes. Additionally, the JBU Graduate School counseling program opened a new CARE Clinic with cutting edge facilities for its play therapy program.

John Brown University is a private Christian university enrolling more than 2,500 students from 40 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.