US News Names NJIT to Prestigious Best National Research University List
U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 Annual Guide to America’s Best Colleges has named NJIT among the nation’s top tier of national research universities offering a range of undergraduate majors and master's and doctoral degrees. It also named NJIT as the nation’s eighth most diverse institution of higher education.
Earlier in the month, The Princeton Review’s Best 368 Colleges in Nation 2009 Edition featured NJIT for its outstanding academics and the opportunities provided to students. The same edition also named NJIT one of the 25 most connected colleges, offering the most cutting-edge technology.
U.S. News uses expert opinion and statistical data that it claims are reliable indicators of academic quality. Among the criteria used to score schools are the graduation rates and the rates at which students are retained from the first to the second year. Class size, faculty resources, the student/faculty ratio, and selectivity in admissions are also key.
“For the third consecutive year, NJIT ranks in the top tier among the best national universities in the U.S. News list,” said Robert A. Altenkirch, PhD, president of NJIT.
"NJIT's statistics in the various categories used in the ranking provide prospective and current students and faculty with a good feel for the university. Our ranking positions NJIT as a selective institution with small classes and a good graduation rate, considering the challenging technological curricula."
Priscilla Nelson, PhD, NJIT Provost, applauded the efforts of NJIT’s faculty and staff for their continuing efforts to focus on students. “At NJIT, we really care about our students and provide a campus that welcomes diversity, and where students can flourish academically and personally,” Nelson said. “For example, our class sizes are pretty small and most classes are taught by full-time instructors – so students get the attention they deserve. This sets the stage for their success in our challenging degree programs in the sciences, architecture, computing, engineering, and management.”
Joel Bloom, vice president for academic and student services and dean of Albert Dorman Honors College noted that NJIT has been repeatedly recognized for being in the top percentage nationwide for awarding baccalaureate degrees to African-American engineers. “As a public university, NJIT works hard to achieve the dual status of being nationally ranked while also committed to diversity,” Bloom explained. “The strength of our incomparable Educational Opportunity Program takes credit for making lifelong learners of many of those students whom we help graduate from NJIT as stars.”
(updated 8/6/12)