Mars Hill University has ranked 19th among the top 100 baccalaureate colleges in the nation on rankings released August 25 in Washington Monthly magazine.

Washington Monthly originally published its rankings as an alternative to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report rankings, and says that its rankings are based on better measures of student success.

Washington Monthly’s college rankings measure institutions based on three criteria: civic engagement, research and social mobility. This fall, the Obama administration will release its plan to rate America’s colleges and universities. The administration’s new ratings, which are scheduled to go into effect in time for the 2015–16 school year, will include measures of access, affordability and outcome, similar metrics to those used by Washington Monthly.

Mars Hill ranked especially well in the categories measuring financial aid support (99% of Mars Hill students receive financial aid) and promotion of community service on campus (hours given by students, and number of staff devoted to promoting service).

Dr. John Wells, executive vice president of Mars Hill University, said “The Washington Monthly rating demonstrates the great lengths to which Mars Hill University goes in order to provide an environment where students can thrive and learn to be agents of change in their communities. We are confident that our graduates are prepared to excel, not just as life-long learners but as ethical citizens as well.”

Mars Hill University is a premier private, liberal arts institution offering over 30 baccalaureate degrees and one graduate degree in elementary education. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, the campus is located just 20 minutes north of Asheville in the mountains of western North Carolina. www.mhu.edu