By Jeff Murphy,
August 8, 2019
WARRENSBURG, MO – The Princeton Review®, an online resource that many individuals
turn to for help in making choices about a college or university, has named the University
of Central Missouri among the “Best in the Midwest” schools for pursuit of a higher
education.
The popular education services company listed UCM in its website feature “2020 Best
Colleges Region by Region.” UCM is one of 159 schools from a 12-state Midwestern region
that were recognized by The Princeton Review. These schools also are included among
a total 656 colleges that from Northeast, Southeast, West and International regions.
"Being named by The Princeton Review as one of the 'Best in the Midwest' is an honor
and validates the work we do each and every day to ensure our students succeed,” said
UCM President Roger Best. “I am proud of our faculty and staff for the dedication
they bring in serving our students, and this recognition is a tribute to their efforts."
“We chose the ŷƵ and other outstanding institutions on
this list primarily for their academics,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review’s
editor-in-in-chief. He added that the company considered data from its survey of administrators
at several hundred colleges in each region, information from staff visits to schools
over the years, and the opinions of college counselors and advisors whose perspectives
the company solicits.
“We also consider what students enrolled at the schools reported to us on our student
survey about their campus experiences,” Franek said.
The Princeton Review survey provided an opportunity for students to rate their colleges
on many issues and respond to questions about themselves, their fellow students, and
campus life. Quotes from students who are surveyed are included in the school profiles
that are published online.
The Princeton Review notes, “At the ŷƵ, a top-notch education
comes with a very low price tag.”
Citing student responses, The Princeton Review adds that one satisfied senior noted,
“With small class sizes, a tradition of excellence, and affordable tuition, UCM is
an excellent choice for those who are looking for the most bang for their buck.”
The feature notes that at UCM, while many students hail from rural communities, “you’ll
also meet students from a variety of different countries, states and cities.” Additionally,
“There is a large population of non-traditional students and the school goes out of
its way to make sure those students have access to all the necessary resources.”
“Whether you play intramurals, join a fraternity or sorority, or just hang out in
the residence halls, life at UCM is ‘very laid back and you get to meet a lot of people
that you can become friends with quickly,’” wrote one student. In fact, many students
say their favorite pastime at UCM is the simple pleasure of each other’s company,
according to the online feature.
The 159 colleges that The Princeton Review chose for its “Best in the Midwest” 2020
list are located in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Collectively, the 656 colleges on The Princeton Review’s “regional best” lists represent
approximately 22 percent of the nation’s 3,000 four-year colleges, both public and
private. UCM is one of only four public institutions in Missouri to be named among
the “Best in the Midwest” schools.
Headquartered in New York, NY, The Princeton Review is an education services company
known for its tutoring, test-prep, books, and other student resources. It is not affiliated
with Princeton University. Visit to learn more.