New college guidebook calls ACU "hidden treasure" For immediate release July 27, 1999 In the latest college guidebook to hit bookstores, Abilene Christian University is called a "hidden treasure" and recognized as a top school in five other categories. Kaplan, an educational research firm, and Newsweek magazine teamed up for the first time to create the Kaplan Newsweek College Catalog 2000, a guide to more than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities. Approximately 2,300 U.S. institutions were not included in the rankings. Kaplan surveyed thousands of guidance counselors from public and private schools to determine the rankings. By ranking in the top 167 or fewer in every category, ACU is recognized among the best 4 percent of colleges and universities in the country. "For years, our friends around the world have told us ACU is one of the best kept secrets in higher education," said Dr. Royce Money, ACU president. "With more than 80,000 alumni living in every state and 89 countries, I guess our secret is out." ACU, one of the largest private universities in the Southwest, annually attracts more than 4,600 students from across the nation and more than 60 countries because of the qualities recognized by the Kaplan Newsweek guidebook, Money said. "We're honored that so many high school counselors recognize ACU's strengths," he said. "ACU is a national leader in Christian higher education, and we challenge our students to excel in their careers and make a difference in the world. Maybe guidebooks like this one will help us become one of America's more well-known 'treasures.'" ACU was recognized in these categories: Schools for the Academically Competitive Student: ACU is one of six Texas schools -- and 120 nationally -- described as a place where academically competitive students could thrive. Other Texas schools include Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, the University of Houston and Trinity University. Schools with the Best Range of Extracurricular Activities: ACU is one of only three Texas schools recognized for having the best range of extracurricular activities to provide the most complete college experience. There are more than 90 campus organizations and service groups in which students can become involved. The other Texas universities listed were Texas A&M and the University of Texas at Austin. Nationally, 109 schools received this designation. Schools that are "Hidden Treasures": Seven Texas schools and 167 across the nation are described as terrific colleges that are not as well known as they should be. In Texas, they are ACU, Angelo State University, Austin College, St. Edward's University, Sam Houston State University, Trinity University, the University of Dallas and the University of Houston. Schools Offering the Maximum Amount of Individual Academic Attention: ACU is one of eight schools in Texas and 155 in the nation described as providing an environment where students receive the maximum amount of personal attention from their professors. The other Texas schools are Austin College, St. Edward's University, St. Mary's University, Sam Houston State University, Southwestern University, Texas Christian University, Texas Lutheran College and Trinity University. Schools Providing a Good Liberal Arts Education: ACU is one of 145 schools across the nation described as "one of the best schools for students seeking a liberal arts education." Five other schools in Texas received this designation: Austin College, SMU, Southwestern University, Trinity University and the University of Houston. Schools Representing the Best Value for Your Money: ACU was one of 128 schools across the nation described as a top-notch college for which a student does not have to go deeply into debt. Eight other Texas schools received this designation: Baylor University, Rice University, St. Mary's University, Southwestern University, Texas A&M University, TCU, Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin. Money said ACU is known for providing undergraduate involvement in hands-on learning and research; for professors who make themselves available to students outside the classroom; for exceptional teaching by high quality, Christian faculty; for its worldwide alumni network; and for its friendly campus, state-of-the-art technology and serious Christian focus. For information about applying to ACU, contact the Admissions Office at (915) 674-2650, call toll-free at 800-460-6228 or check out the Web site at www.acu.edu. Fall classes begin August 23. -- 30 -- If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact: Michelle Morris, director of marketing and public relations, at morrism@nicanor.acu.edu or call (915) 674-2646 Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692. Last update: August 2, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/990727-kaplan.html