CBU ranked among "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report

RIVERSIDE (Sept. 12, 2012) - California Baptist University has been named one of "America's Best Colleges" for the seventh straight year by U.S. News & World Report.

CBU ranked in the top tier of "Best Regional Universities-West" category, which includes those institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate programs and some master's level programs. Universities in the "Best Regional Universities" categories are ranked within four geographic areas: North, South, Midwest and West.

"Being ranked among the top public and private schools in the 15 western states demonstrates that California Baptist University is a strong performer in the higher education marketplace and an excellent choice for students in a wide range of academic programs," said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president. "I believe that this recognition as one of America's Best Colleges represents a continuing affirmation of CBU's steadfast commitment to provide a high-quality, Christ-centered education."

Colleges are ranked by U.S. News & World Report according to weighted indicators of academic excellence including peer assessment, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance, and alumni giving. Next, the publication ranks the colleges in each category against their peers, based on their composite weighted score.

California Baptist University currently offers 35 master's degree programs and 145 undergraduate majors and concentrations. Founded in 1950, CBU is a private comprehensive institution located in Riverside, California and affiliated with California Southern Baptist Convention. Fall 2011 enrollment at CBU totaled more than 5,400 students from 37 states and 30 foreign countries. CBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, and the Consortium for Global Education.

The 2012 U.S. News rankings can be found at http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges. Highlights of the "America's Best Colleges" rankings also are available online now in the Best Colleges 2013 guidebook and will be on newsstands Sept. 18.

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