This is the eighth time Berea College has earned the publication’s top regional ranking. In determining a school's overall rank, U.S. News said consideration was given to academic reputation, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving rate.

“Berea College always works to better achieve its mission," said Berea College President Dr. Larry D. Shinn. "The measurable improvements in our programs and facilities are a direct result of the successful planning and dedicated work of our trustees, faculty, staff and students, as well as support from our friends. We are honored that our peers have judged our work to have been successful and we are grateful to be part of such a dynamic collegiate community."

In addition, Berea College was recognized as the nation’s best college for ‘Service-learning’, fourth best for ‘Internships/Co-ops’, and third best in the South for the least amount of debt among graduates. In service-learning programs, volunteering in the community is an instructional strategy and a requirement of a student’s coursework. Schools recognized as the best for Internships/ Co-ops encourage students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom through closely-supervised internships or through cooperative education.

The survey results were announced Sept. 13 and will appear in the year 2003 edition of the magazine's guide "America's Best Colleges". The rankings also are available on the U.S. News Web site (www.usnews.com).

Berea now has been ranked in 14 of the 16 "Best College" surveys conducted by U.S. News and World Report magazine. In 2000, Berea College was named the best liberal arts college in the south, and for five consecutive years (1989-93), Berea was third among colleges and universities in the South. In 1987 and '88, the College was No. 1 in the category of small comprehensive colleges, and in 1985, was first among small colleges in the South and Border States.

In 1995, U.S. News ranked Berea fifth on the best regional universities in the South list and first in regional universities showing "an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching:" -- the first year the magazine recognized that category.

Rankings in 1994 listed Berea 82nd among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation, the only year the college was placed in that category. No survey was conducted in 1986.

Berea College has a long tradition of commitment to high-quality academic programs, equality and interracial education, service to the Appalachian region, a unique work-study program, and inclusive Christian values. The College is further distinguished by a no-tuition policy, serving students who have high academic potential, but limited financial resources.