Anderson University

Named #1 “Up and Coming” institution of its kind in The South.

Anderson University jumped four spots to #21 in the top tier of the southern region for 2011 according to the just-released rankings from U.S. News & World Report. In addition, Anderson University was ranked the #1 “Up and Coming” school of its kind in the South – the first time it has achieved the top ranking.

The magazine publishes a list of universities in America that “other schools should be watching,” called the “Up and Coming” list. Anderson has earned inclusion on that list for three consecutive years. The number of schools selected nationally as “Up and Coming” has been narrowed from 77 last year to just 68 this year. The list of 68 was divided into regions with Anderson taking the top spot among colleges in the South ahead of High Point in North Carolina (2) and Campbellsville in Kentucky (3).

“We are always very pleased when our quality is recognized in the various annual rankings, particularly those based on a combination of both objective institutional data and peer assessment,” said Anderson University president Evans Whitaker.  “Our faculty and students continue to distinguish our institution through their many accomplishments and we are delighted that their work seems to gain increased attention with each passing year.”  

Classes begin Wednesday at Anderson, which appears to be on track to shatter last year’s record enrollment. Although the final headcount won’t be official for several weeks, a record 611 new students arrived on campus over last weekend compared to the record 547 last year.

Anderson University is a comprehensive university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention offering bachelors and masters degrees. Anderson is ranked in the Top Tier (top 21) of colleges and universities in the South, and one of 68 “Up and Coming” schools to watch in America,” by U. S. News & World Report. It is the #1 “Up and Coming” school in The South according to that publication.  Anderson has also been named one of “Americas 100 Best College Buys,” Located in The Upstate region of South Carolina near the foothills of the Appalachians, Anderson University features a rigorous education in a supportive Christian environment.