The 2006 edition of U.S.News & World Report's “America's Best Colleges” ranks Wheeling Jesuit University 17th in the "Best Universities--Master's Category" in the South, making it the highest ranked college or university in West Virginia and the Ohio Valley for nine consecutive years.

Rev. Joseph R. Hacala, S.J., University president and native of West Virginia, said, "In light of our 50-year history in West Virginia, this ranking is a wonderful honor for our entire Wheeling Jesuit community as we continue to provide a quality education for men and women within our Catholic and Jesuit tradition.”

"To be ranked 17th among the southern universities is an important indicator of the quality academic and student life experiences that Wheeling Jesuit University offers through its mission of educating students for life, leadership and service," said Dr. James F. Birge, executive vice president.

"This ranking reflects the high academic standards and the commitment to excellence that is a hallmark of Jesuit higher education. We are pleased that U.S. News recognizes the hard work and dedication of our faculty and administrators who provide excellent educational opportunities to our students,” said Academic Dean Letha Zook, Ed.D.

The rankings examine 572 universities in the "Best Universities—Master's" category within four geographic areas—North, South, Midwest and West.

Wheeling Jesuit University integrates the Jesuit traditions of intellectual excellence with the best of advanced technology to educate students for life, for leadership, and for service with and among others.

The only Catholic institution of higher education in West Virginia, Wheeling Jesuit offers more than 30 undergraduate programs of study and six graduate degrees to about 1,500 students. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to1, and 18 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams. The 65-acre campus located in Wheeling, W.Va., includes 15 modern buildings, the multi-million dollar Acker Science Center, residence halls and a modern recreation and athletic facility that includes a soccer/track and field complex.

The campus is home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies, the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, a Challenger Learning Center and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute.

To arrange a visit of the Wheeling Jesuit University campus or to apply, call 1-800-624-6992, e-mail admiss@wju.edu or visit Wheeling Jesuit online at www.wju.edu.