Rockhurst University Recognized By Colleges of Distinction

Rockhurst University has been recognized in several categories as among the best in the country by Colleges of Distinction.

The recognitions are both in general categories — Rockhurst is among the Colleges of Distinction in the U.S., in Missouri, and among Catholic colleges and universities — and for the University’s business, nursing, education and engineering programs. Finally, Colleges of Distinction has recognized the University for affordability.

“Add these to a growing list of recent accolades for Rockhurst University,” said Mark Steinlage Jr., vice president for enrollment management. “There are more than 4,000 higher education institutions in the U.S., and Colleges of Distinction selects about 10% of those, or around 300, based on how well those institutions perform in their criteria.”

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has recognized institutions that excel in what they call the “Four Distinctions.” These distinctions — engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes — take into consideration how a school provides the best possible experience both inside and outside the classroom. These criteria consider quality of faculty instruction, opportunities available to students on and off campus, and how successful alumni are once they graduate, among other meaures. Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, its rigorous selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions.

”We’ve never ranked our schools,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “No student is alike, so there can’t be a No. 1 school for everyone. We are much more focused on the innovative ways that colleges are offering their own brand of a truly rich undergraduate education.”