U.S. News & World Report's “America's Best Colleges” has ranked Wheeling Jesuit University in the top five percent among colleges in the south region and as the highest rated institution in the state for the 17th consecutive year.

“The ranking demonstrates to parents that they made a good choice in sending their sons and daughters to Wheeling Jesuit,” said Rev. James Fleming, S.J. president. “For prospective students, the U.S. News top tier placement shows the University has a solid reputation in providing a high quality education at an affordable cost.”

This year's freshman class has an average high school GPA of 3.4, an average SAT score of 1013 and average ACT score of 22. Of the incoming freshman, 26 percent were in the top 20 percent of their high school graduating class - all are factors considered by U.S. News in its rankings.

Recently, Wheeling Jesuit established two schools within the University - the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Health Sciences. The realignment positions the University to provide educational value, tailored precisely to the needs of each academic discipline and geared to raise academic performance, Fr. Fleming said.

Dr. Robert Phillips, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, “Wheeling Jesuit always has had a strong reputation for offering rigorous professional programs built upon a liberal arts foundation.”

In addition to its academic offerings, Wheeling Jesuit also has a reputation for attracting a diverse student body. This year, Wheeling Jesuit has students from 26 states and 25 countries, and that diversity acknowledges that all faiths, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds are at home on the campus.

A new athletic administration will provide full time leadership to the student-athletes that make up the 20 varsity sports teams - a move Fr. Fleming believes will aid in student retention. The leadership team is made up by Frank Bauer, executive director of intercollegiate and varsity athletics operations, Cameron Perry, athletic director and Eric Taber, sports information director.

While education is a key factor in the rankings, U.S. News looks at alumni support as well. Fr. Fleming noted that alumni giving in 2013 more than doubled the previous year's total.

Highlights of the college rankings are available on the magazine's website