Gannon University for the ninth consecutive year maintained its ranking as a top tier university in the new edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” and again was named to the guide’s list of “Great Schools at Great Prices.”

Gannon is ranked in the top third of the “Best Regional Universities” category in its geographic area, the North. U.S. News & World Report, publisher of the annual college guide, defines regional universities as those that provide a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs. In addition to the Northern region, schools are ranked separately in the South, Midwest and West.

Additionally, the 2013 edition of the guide marks the seventh time Gannon University has been named to the list of “Great Schools at Great Prices.” Among the guide’s regional universities, Gannon is the only one in western Pennsylvania to be designated a “Best Value.”

“I’m pleased that our continued focus on offering students the very best education at the most affordable price in the region was recognized by U.S. News & World Report,” said Gannon President Keith Taylor, Ph.D.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the list is reflective of those colleges and universities that “offer students the best value.” The “Great Schools at Great Prices” rankings take into account an institution’s academic quality, based on its overall ranking in “America’s Best Colleges,” and the “net cost of attendance for a student who receives the average level of need-based financial aid.”

U.S. News notes that only those schools at or near the top half of the overall rankings are included in the list of “Great Schools at Great Prices” because they are considered to be “above average” academically and the “most significant values.” Gannon University is the only institution in western Pennsylvania to make the list and of the other Regional Universities in the North named to the “Great Schools at Great Prices” list, Gannon ranks third with respect to the average tuition cost after accounting for grants based on need, and fifth in terms of the percentage of students receiving grants based on need.

“Being named a Best Value for the seventh year and to the top tier for the ninth consecutive year validates our exceptional commitment and sustained success in educating our students to be socially responsible, global citizens,” Taylor said.

In addition to its top-tier ranking and designation as one of the “Great Schools at Great Prices,” Gannon University was named to the guide’s list of “Best in Undergraduate Engineering.” Gannon was recognized as one of the top colleges and universities offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering.

The list of “Best in Undergraduate Engineering” is based on a survey of engineering deans and senior faculty from accredited programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Gannon University is a Catholic, Diocesan university offering nearly 100 academic programs, including doctoral programs in physical therapy and organizational learning and leadership. Gannon enrolls more than 4,000 academically talented and diverse students. Learn more here.

This article was originally published on September 28th, 2012 on www.gannon.edu.