STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—FORBES, a leading source of business news and financial information, has named Franciscan University of Steubenville to its prestigious list of America’s Top Colleges 2014.

Go to: Full List | Franciscan University’s Profile

From the 4,500-plus colleges and universities in the United States, FORBES and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity select only 650 schools that distinguish themselves based on outcomes, or in FORBES’ business parlance, ROI: What are students getting out of college? This means ranking the colleges and universities on post-graduate success (32.5%), student satisfaction (25%), student debt (25%), academic success (10%), and graduation rates (7.5%).

In its debut in FORBES’ Top Colleges, Franciscan University was ranked 364th overall, 266th in private colleges, and 87th among Midwest colleges and universities. FORBES’ editors drew attention to Franciscan’s faith households, domestic and international mission trips, and the study abroad program in Gaming, Austria.

“FORBES has recognized what our alumni consistently tell us about the excellence of our academics, strength of our Catholic evangelistic environment and outreaches, and solid career and vocation preparation,” says Father Sean O. Sheridan, TOR, president of Franciscan University. “This ranking is one more indicator of how well Franciscan is forming the next generation of Catholic leaders to go forth and transform the world.”

The FORBES ranking differs from other higher education evaluation services by focusing on questions of importance to incoming students: Are the classes interesting? Will most students graduate in four years? Will students incur heavy debt while getting a degree? Are graduates likely to get a good job and advance in their chosen profession?

The FORBES’ schools represent a diverse mix of private and public institutions that range from the ivy-league schools and religious institutions to liberal arts universities, online and commuter schools, and military academies.

Franciscan University is one of only five schools included in the FORBES list that are also recommended in the Cardinal Newman Society’s guide to Catholic colleges committed to providing “a faithful Catholic education.”