Washington Monthly ranks Northwestern among nation's top colleges

Northwestern College has been ranked 25th among the nation’s top baccalaureate colleges by Washington Monthly. The magazine’s 2016 rankings, released today (Aug. 29), are based on how well the schools contribute to the public good in the areas of social mobility, service and research.

Northwestern has been ranked among the nation’s best colleges by Washington Monthly every year since the magazine began ranking baccalaureate colleges in 2010. This year’s rankings are at http://washingtonmonthly.com/2016-college-guide?ranking=2016-rankings-national-universities-bachelors.

“We are pleased to once again be recognized among the nation’s best by Washington Monthly,” says Greg Christy, Northwestern College’s president. “This is a credit to our faculty and staff, and to the strong academic programs we have that prepare students exceptionally well for graduate school and for impacting the world through serving others.”

Washington Monthly’s rankings seek to measure how effectively colleges serve their students and, ultimately, the country. The rankings are based on data such as graduation rates, alumni earnings and repayment of student loans, the number of graduates who go on to earn a Ph.D. and serve in the Peace Corps, and the schools’ emphasis on community service.

Northwestern is ranked third in its category in community service participation and fourth in the rate of student loan repayment. Washington Monthly ranks Northwestern 16th in the number of graduates who have gone on to earn doctorates and 19th in graduation rate.

Northwestern College is a Christian college of more than 1,200 students in Orange City, Iowa, committed to developing students’ minds and empowering their faith as they prepare to lead in the world.