by Kaileigh Willis, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University is the highest-ranked evangelical Christian university in Ohio and the highest-ranked college in southwest Ohio, according to a recent survey conducted by bestcolleges.com.
In the ranking, Cedarville placed sixth overall behind Kenyon College, Oberlin, Mercy College of Ohio, Ohio State University and Case Western University. Following Cedarville University were Miami University-Oxford, University of Cincinnati, Denison University and The College of Wooster.
The ranking is based on data from both the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator, both hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics.
“Prospective students and their families are looking for an institution that will provide students with that opportunity to grow in their faith while also being challenged academically,” noted Dr. Scott Van Loo, vice president for enrollment management. “Cedarville strives to be intentional in doing both, which prospective students can see. Even our current students are a testament to that, as our retention rate for first year freshmen is 87 percent.”
Cedarville was recognized for offering top programs in business, engineering, forensics, debate and political studies, as well as offering multiple accelerated tracks that may save students up to $15,000 in tuition.
“Cedarville University has maintained its excellence by consistently ensuring that its degrees are meeting the needs of an ever-changing world,” said Dr. Randall McKinion, assistant academic vice president and associate professor of Old Testament. “But more importantly, I believe that Cedarville's commitment to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ continues to appeal strongly to prospective students and their families.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,193 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.