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STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Colleges guidebook ranked ̽������ 28th among all “Midwest Universities.” Retaining its place in the top tier of the region’s 164 colleges, Franciscan’s rating makes it one of Ohio’s top 6 universities.

In addition to its 89 percent first-year retention rate, 75 percent graduation rate, and 15-1 student/faculty ratio, Franciscan’s strong showing reflects exciting new developments at the University. These include the August opening of Christ the Teacher Academic Hall and Pope St. Paul VI Event Center, now the largest building on campus at more than 110,000 square feet. The new facility includes an academic wing for engineering, business, and nursing students and an event center wing for spiritual and educational conferences.

“We’re excited more people are hearing about the great things happening at Franciscan,” said Father Dave Pivonka, TOR ’89, president of ̽������. “As we continue to grow year after year, I’m most grateful for our amazing students who come for our unique approach to Catholic formation and academic excellence and go forth transformed and equipped to build up the Church and sanctify the world.”

Franciscan’s high marks from U.S. News & World Report include its effectiveness in enrolling and graduating low-income and first-generation students, jumping 56 spots in two years from 92nd to 36th place in the “social mobility” category.

The strong rating from U.S. News comes at a time of robust and sustained growth, as Franciscan welcomed its largest incoming class in the University’s history—812 students—in August. Every year for the past 10 years, overall enrollment has broken records, bringing the total number of students enrolled on campus and online to 3,977. The University’s growth was also reflected at Commencement in May with a record-breaking class of 896 graduates.

“I love how the Catholic faith is integrated into every class available, including STEM and language courses,” said one incoming freshman in a new student survey. “I also recognize how quickly the school is growing and the academic rigor.”

U.S. News also placed ̽������ 13th among Best Colleges for Veterans in the Midwest. This category recognizes universities that are most successful at making a college education more affordable for veterans and active-duty service members.

U.S. News & World Report has included ̽������ in the elite top tier of Midwest Universities each year since 1998.

For more information about ̽������, visit franciscan.edu.