Bethel College jumped up four spots this year, ranking them number 16 out of 94 schools, among the Midwest’s Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the 2011 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. Media Group. This is the highest spot Bethel has ever earned. Each school is ranked and compared on a set of 15 indicators which include: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving and graduation rate performances (National Universities and Liberal Art Colleges). “Many people believe that the US News methodology for developing their lists is flawed in concept and application,” said Randy Beachy, assistant vice president of enrollment and marketing. “It is but one indicator of a third party’s perception quality, achievement, improvement, etc; and has been marketed as a measuring stick for colleges.” According to Dennis Engbrecht, senior vice president, the school being ranked higher doesn’t necessarily mean anything. "It certainly doesn't hurt the college's reputation, but neither would a drop four spots next year," he said. "While the college continues to grow and become an even stronger competitor with other colleges, Bethel has established it's reputation in the local community and area region. These sort of rankings tend to confirm our reputation. At the same time, we are not overly serious about them. They are nice 'window dressings.' The core of the Bethel College experience is what really counts and on that matter we know who we are and what our mission is." Beachy agrees with Engbrecht. “It is flattering to see Bethel ‘improve’ in the US News ranking, but Bethel doesn’t make decisions based [0n] our rise (or fall) in this annual review,” Beachy said. “What we think is important to improving the educational opportunities for students, may or may not be perceived as important to US News.” Beachy stated that Bethel “strives for excellence” and is “driven by standards established by scripture.” “It is humbling to receive these and similar honors and recognitions, but these result from our mission as we strive to ‘store up treasures in heaven,’ fulfilling God’s mission for Bethel to train and educated students for a life of impact,” Beachy said. “The students, faculty and staff at Bethel College know why such programs continue to receive honor. Bethel is blessed to have a group of dedicated, capable individuals who are not only experts in their fields, but are also committed to advancing the kingdom of God through excellence in their disciplines.”
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Bethel College jumped up four spots this year, ranking them number 16 out of 94 schools, among the Midwest’s Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the 2011 edition of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. Media Group. This is the highest spot Bethel has ever earned. Each school is ranked and compared on a set of 15 indicators which include: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving and graduation rate performances (National Universities and Liberal Art Colleges). “Many people believe that the US News methodology for developing their lists is flawed in concept and application,” said Randy Beachy, assistant vice president of enrollment and marketing. “It is but one indicator of a third party’s perception quality, achievement, improvement, etc; and has been marketed as a measuring stick for colleges.” According to Dennis Engbrecht, senior vice president, the school being ranked higher doesn’t necessarily mean anything. "It certainly doesn't hurt the college's reputation, but neither would a drop four spots next year," he said. "While the college continues to grow and become an even stronger competitor with other colleges, Bethel has established it's reputation in the local community and area region. These sort of rankings tend to confirm our reputation. At the same time, we are not overly serious about them. They are nice 'window dressings.' The core of the Bethel College experience is what really counts and on that matter we know who we are and what our mission is." Beachy agrees with Engbrecht. “It is flattering to see Bethel ‘improve’ in the US News ranking, but Bethel doesn’t make decisions based [0n] our rise (or fall) in this annual review,” Beachy said. “What we think is important to improving the educational opportunities for students, may or may not be perceived as important to US News.” Beachy stated that Bethel “strives for excellence” and is “driven by standards established by scripture.” “It is humbling to receive these and similar honors and recognitions, but these result from our mission as we strive to ‘store up treasures in heaven,’ fulfilling God’s mission for Bethel to train and educated students for a life of impact,” Beachy said. “The students, faculty and staff at Bethel College know why such programs continue to receive honor. Bethel is blessed to have a group of dedicated, capable individuals who are not only experts in their fields, but are also committed to advancing the kingdom of God through excellence in their disciplines.”
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