Christian Universities Online Publishes Ranking of Christian Colleges and Universities Exceeding Expectations

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Christian higher education resource, Christian Universities Online (http://www.christianuniversitiesonline.org/), has published a ranking of the Top 50 Christian Colleges & Universities Exceeding Expectations.  An institution exceeds expectations when its actual graduation rate is greater than its predicted graduation rate.  Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA claimed the top spot on the list.  Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana and Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, California were ranked second and third respectively. The ranking can be viewed at http://www.christianuniversitiesonline.org/top-christian-colleges-exceeding-expectations/

Other schools making the list include (in alphabetical order):

Apex School of Theology

Asbury University

Belhaven University

Bethel College-Mishawaka

Bethel University

Bluffton University

California Baptist University

Calvin College

Carson-Newman University

Cedarville University

College of the Ozarks

Corban University

Crown College

Dordt College

Eastern University

Evangel University

Geneva College

George Fox University

Gordon College

Goshen College

Grace College & Seminary

Greenville College

Houghton College

John Brown University

Malone University

Messiah College

Milligan College

Mississippi College

North Greenville University

North Park University

Northwestern College--IA

Point Loma Nazarene University

Roberts Wesleyan College

Seattle Pacific University

Shorter University

Spring Arbor University

Taylor University

Trinity Christian College

Union University

University of Mobile

University of Northwestern - St. Paul

Vanguard University of Southern California

Warner Pacific College

Warner University

Waynesburg University

Westmont College

Wheaton College

Whitworth University

The ranking considered schools that were regionally accredited and also either accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and/or a member or affiliate of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).  Predicted graduation rates were compared to actual graduation rates and then the ranking was built around the difference between those two measurements.  Predicted graduation data came from U.S News, who came up with the percentage by considering the relationship between a schoolis six-year graduation rate, enrolling studentis standardized test results, ranking position of the students in their high school graduating class, and a few additional categories.  The difference between predicted and actual graduation rates is what we are calling the "Exceeding Expectations Value."  In the case of a tie, we first used graduation rates to break them and secondarily used acceptance rates only in a couple of cases.

Michael Templeton, lead editor for the ranking, stated that the goal is "to provide an alternative perspective to help parents and students make the most informed decision they can when selecting a Christian institution of higher education."  A ranking of schools that have exceeded their graduation expectations is ione way to evaluate how well schools enhance the achievement of their students,i Templeton noted. Templeton went on to add that the ranking is intended to isupplement rather than supplanti other ways of ranking schools.

Christian Universities Online is an independent online resource for students and families researching Christian higher education. The site publishes rankings and reviews of the best Christian colleges and universities, information about Christian scholarships and financial aid, and many other resources for finding, getting into, and paying for a quality Christian education.

Contact:

Michael Templeton

Site Editor

(919) 858-6153

Email

SOURCE Christian Universities Online