Wheeling, WV, Aug. 20, 2009 — The 2010 edition of U.S.News & World Report's “America's Best Colleges” ranks Wheeling Jesuit University number 18 in the "Best Universities—Master's Category" in the South, making it the highest ranked college or university in West Virginia in this category for 13 consecutive years.

"This ranking reflects our continued commitment to excellence, a commitment that is a hallmark of Jesuit education the world over,” said J. Davitt McAteer, university acting president. “We’re pleased that U.S. News recognizes the university and we share this honor with our students.”

“The rankings confirm our regional reputation of excellence in and outside of the classroom,” Academic Vice President Letha Zook said. “The combination of the Forbes ranking of 180 out of 600 colleges and this ranking are a tribute to the exceptional quality of instruction by our faculty, the care provided by our staff and administration and the amazing talent of our students.”

The rankings examine 572 universities in the "Best Universities—Master's" category within four geographic areas—North, South, Midwest and West, the same number of schools as last year. The institutions in this category provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs, according to U.S.News.

Highlights of the college rankings will be published in the September 2009 issue of U.S.News & World Report, available for newsstand purchase Monday, August 24. The 2010 America's Best Colleges guidebook goes on sale Tuesday, August 25.

Wheeling Jesuit is poised to begin its 2009-2010 school year on Aug. 31 when classes for both day and evening students commence. Over 300 new students are expected on campus as the new student move in begins Aug. 27.

The university has more than 30 undergraduate and seven graduate programs and is also 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 campus or to apply, call 1-800-624-6992, e-mail admiss@wju.edu or visit online at www.wju.edu.