UMBC Named Top Up-And-Coming University In The Nation
CATONSVILLE, Md. (WJZ)—A local university is celebrating after U.S. News and World Report released its best colleges guide.
Mary Bubala reports UMBC is the No. 1 up-and-coming university in the nation.
Kelsey Krach is a senior at UMBC. She says the No. 1 ranking is right on target.
"To me these ratings haven't disappointed. The school has definitely given forth everything that I think these ratings promise," Krach said.
The U.S. News and World Report recognizes UMBC as No. 1 up-and-coming for having the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus and facilities.
This is the fifth year the university has been awarded the distinction.
Admissions director Bill Bittinger says the ranking makes his job of selling UMBC to top students much easier.
"UMBC is a special place, and we see it with the record number of applicants this year with the faculty and staff who want to come here and others who just want to be part of the UMBC experience," Bittinger said.
UMBC also ranked No. 6 for its commitment to undergrad teaching.
"I think it's just so fantastic that we are up there with some of the best schools in the nation, and I feel that my professors are providing that for me," Krach said.
Applications to UMBC were up 10 percent this year. Students average a 3.7 GPA for admission.
Other notable rankings for area colleges include Johns Hopkins University moving up to No. 12 for the best private institution in the nation.
