Princeton Review Ranks The University of Montana Among Best Colleges

Each year the Princeton Review publishes a guidebook naming the top four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Once again, The University of Montana is on the list.

The 2009 edition, “The Best 368 Colleges,” was released July 29. Only about 15 percent of four-year colleges in the nation make the cut.

“We appreciate the recognition inclusion among the Princeton Review’s ‘Best 368’ provides, especially because it rests on student perceptions,” said UM President George Dennison. “At The University of Montana, we put students first and apparently they realize that we do.”

The rankings are based on surveys of more than 120,000 students – an average of 325 per campus. The top schools earn a two-page profile with student comments.

This year’s report quotes UM students as saying, class sizes “are very small for a state university,” and that internships and work opportunities on campus create students who are “very prepared to enter the job market.”

Other students commented that the musical and cultural offerings at UM are “outstanding” and said downtown Missoula has “great restaurants and local shopping.” Several students talked about the outdoor recreation opportunities in Western Montana.

“With all the rafting, rock climbing, hiking, skiing and fishing, anyone who loves nature will love UM,” said one student.

UM also was named to Princeton Review’s list of “Colleges with a Conscience,” which lists schools with outstanding community involvement.

Montana Tech of UM in Butte also was included in Princeton Review’s recently released list of “Best 368 Colleges.” Complete listings are online at http://www.princetonreview.com.

http://news.umt.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4711&Itemid=9