For the fourth consecutive year, Texas Wesleyan University has been ranked in the No. 1 tier of regional universities in the west by U.S. News & World Report.

Texas Wesleyan is in good company in the Best Colleges of 2014 rankings, sharing the category with institutions like Trinity University (San Antonio), Gonzaga University (Washington), Santa Clara (Silicon Valley region of California), Cal Poly State University – San Luis Obispo, University of Dallas, St. Edward’s University (Austin) and California State University – Long Beach.

Scoring is calculated on many factors, including graduation rates, retention, peer assessment and class sizes. The consistently high ranking reflects well on the University and the student experience.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this top-tier ranking for the fourth straight year," President Frederick G. Slabach said. "It validates the great work being done on campus by our faculty and staff, and it indicates the caliber of students we have."

What it means to students

Earning the ranking for four years in a row means that most Texas Wesleyan students have never experienced a time when the institution was not ranked.

"To be a part of a top-tier category speaks volumes about the direction in which the University is headed," Trent Sandles, senior management and English major, said. "As a student, I think some might think it just seems like a fancy title, but in actuality it means so much more.

"Being a part of an institution with such a consistently great ranking reminds me that I am at the right University. I am learning at a school where academics take main stage and where we are all part of the Wesleyan family. Being at a top tier university reminds me that Texas Wesleyan is the place for me," he said.

A tradition of quality

Earlier this spring, U.S. News & World Report Best Grad Schools 2014 ranked Texas Wesleyan’s Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia as a Best Grad School.