STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—As it has since 1998, U.​S.​ News & World Report ranked Franciscan University of Steubenville among the elite top-tier of Midwest universities—tied for 15th overall this year.

The 2021 U.​S.​ News Best Colleges Rankings assesses 1,452 U.​S.​ bachelor’s degree-granting institutions on 17 measures of academic quality.

Franciscan University was tied for second among best Midwest universities for first-year retention rate—demonstrating that once students start at Franciscan, a high number of them stay until they graduate. Franciscan also placed third overall for students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class, an indicator of academic quality.

Under the Best Value Schools category, Franciscan University ranked 10th, meaning Franciscan is an excellent value when factoring in the costs and benefits received from its educational mission.

“We are honored to be recognized again by U.​S.​ News for our academic excellence. This is a tribute to our dedicated faculty across all disciplines of study,” said Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University. “It’s interesting to note that U.​S.​ News focuses solely on academics, so when you factor in Franciscan’s vibrant faith life you can see why students from all 50 states are attracted to our mission, which combines academic excellence in a passionately Catholic environment.”

Read more about Franciscan University’s rankings at U.​S.​ News & World Report’s Best Midwest Universities