Truman Recognized as No. 1 Public School in Midwest

For the 19th year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named Truman as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category.

This recognition comes from the newly released 2016 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. Truman also tied for the No. 8 spot overall in the Midwest region among both private and public institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs. That placed the University one spot better than last year’s ranking and a full 10 spots higher than the second-best public school on the list. Truman far outpaced the other Missouri public schools on the list, the closest of which was more than 50 spots lower.

“We have earned this ranking for a very long time, but we never take it for granted,” University President Troy D. Paino said. “Maintaining this level of success for such an extended period is due entirely to the tremendous dedication of our faculty and staff. By always keeping the students’ best interests in mind, we have established an extraordinary learning environment.”

Truman received high praise in several supplemental categories.

Truman was again the No. 1 school in the Midwest region in the “A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching” section. It was the only public school from the Midwest to make the list.

In terms of affordability, among regional universities, Truman was the No. 1 public school, and No. 5 overall, in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” section for the Midwest.

Truman was also recognized on the “Most Innovative Schools” list, coming in tied at No. 3 overall in the Midwest. Of the five schools listed for the region, Truman was the only public university, and one of only five public schools in the nation to be included. This is the first time U.S. News & World Report has included the “Most Innovative Schools” list in the annual rankings. College presidents, provosts and admissions deans were asked to nominate schools that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.

Another new appearance for Truman comes on the “A-Plus Schools for B Students” list. Schools in this category were acknowledged as institutions where students “have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving” because “spirit and hard work could make all the difference to the admissions office.”

“Inclusion in this particular section says a lot about our faculty, as well as the work ethic of our students,” Paino said. “A true indication of a successful university is how well it prepares its students while they are on campus, and this reaffirms we have created a culture that allows our students to excel.”

Truman also earned a spot on the “Best Colleges for Veterans” list.

U.S. News & World Report bases its regional rankings on peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, graduation rate performance, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. Complete listings are available at usnews.com/colleges.