U.S. News Ranks Clemson the 22nd Best National Public School

August 21, 2009

CLEMSON, SC – August 20, 2009 – Clemson University ranks 22nd among national public institutions, according to the annual ranking by U.S.News & World Report, and remains the highest ranked public institution in South Carolina.

Clemson also is among the top public schools in the “Up-and-Coming Schools” category, which lists schools that have made “the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities.”

“We’re pleased that Clemson has maintained its number 22 ranking among all national public universities. This is our highest ranking ever and places us in the company of some of the most highly regarded research universities in America,” Clemson President James F. Barker said. “The ranking is a tribute to the faculty and students who are the core of the university, to the staff who provide those faculty and students with the support they need in order to be successful, and to all alumni and friends whose financial support helped us protect academic quality during a challenging year.

“It’s important to recognize that, while the overall ranking is the same as last year, Clemson showed improvement in many individual ranking categories, including record high retention and graduation rates, higher SAT scores and increased faculty resources,” Barker said.

“This shows that Clemson has the right priorities and is improving in areas that are meaningful to students and parents.”

The university again appears in the “Writing in the Disciplines” list of outstanding academic programs commonly linked to student success, recognized for making writing a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum.

“Each year, more prospective students and their families are aware of these accolades and consider Clemson for their collegiate studies,” said Clemson Admissions Director Robert Barkley. “We offer the complete experience with quality academics, along with an exciting environment for living and learning.”

America’s Best Colleges 2010 will be published in the U.S.News & World Report magazine to be on newsstands Thursday, Aug. 20.