INDIANAPOLIS — Marian University jumped to #6 in US News & World Report’s annual rankings of Most Innovative Midwest Regional Universities, which was published today by the national magazine. Marian is also ranked #15 in the “Best Value” category and finished #30 overall in the list of Midwest Regional Universities. More than 150 universities from 12 states comprise the Midwest Region.
Marian University moved up from #10 to #6 in the Midwest Region’s list of “Most Innovative Schools” this year, as rated by other university presidents and provosts in the category. Marian has received considerable recognition for its innovative approach to training future teachers through its Klipsch Educators College, as well as its new two-year college, Saint Joe Indy, its STEHM programs, its “do business to learn business” philosophy, the new Latin@ Initiative, community engaged learning, and more.
Marian also rose a remarkable nine spots from last year to #15 in the “Best Value” category. Factors considered in this category include a school's academic quality and its 2018-19 net cost of attendance for students who receive an average amount of need-based financial aid. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost equate to the better value. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included.
“To be recognized as both innovative and a best value is especially rewarding,” Elsener said. “Often, innovation comes at a high price. But Marian is doing all we can to keep a quality, private school education affordable for our students. To be listed in the top 15 of “Best Value” universities is probably the most important ranking of all. I know it’s a ranking that parents who are paying tuition for their students will pay close attention to.”
Marian moved eight spots to #30 on the list of Best Universities in the Midwest Region. Since moving from the Midwest Colleges to the Midwest Universities category in 2017, Marian has gained 10 spots in the rankings. This places Marian University in the top 20% of regional universities.
“US News & World Report’s rankings give great weight to how well colleges and universities educate and graduate their students, and give bonus points to universities that are exceptionally good at retaining and graduating students from a wide variety of backgrounds,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “Because retention is a top priority of our faculty, staff and administration we are most edified by this recognition. The rankings also rely heavily on input from other college presidents and provosts. It is humbling to receive recognition from outstanding leaders at other great universities, who are affirming our success in achieving academic outcomes through innovation and mission. This ringing endorsement of our dedicated faculty, staff and Board of Trustees is further inspiration for us to forge on towards our vision of developing transformational leaders for service to the world.”
Marian University’s growth on its campus on Indianapolis’ west side has been remarkable. The incoming classes in 2017, 2018 and 2019 are the three largest freshman classes in the university’s history. To accommodate that growth, they have constructed the Norman Center to house its Byrum School of Business, a new student union, a new dining hall, a new student fitness center, and a new arena/convocation center. A new construction project will be announced this Saturday prior to the first football game.
“We are truly blessed,” Elsener said. “At a time when many small private universities are struggling to survive, Marian University is thriving.”
About Marian University Indianapolis
Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2019, Marian is serving more than 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.
