MISSOULA – The University of Montana ranks as the No. 1 university in the state of Montana according to U.S. News & World Report in its annual listing of best colleges in the country.

UM campus
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UM came in at No. 201 and Montana State University at No. 205 overall in the National Universities category, which includes both public and private institutions. Last year, both schools were tied at No. 207.

UM rocketed past MSU this year, earning its ranking as the best Montana university for focusing its attention on students, quality instruction in the classroom and the co-curricular experience.

“I have been saying since I arrived on campus last January that quality is one of our top priorities,” said Seth Bodnar, UM’s president. “We have been focusing all our resources on creating a financially sustainable university, increasing quality in and out of the classroom and creating a transformative student experience. The progress we are making shows in this national ranking.”

In U.S. News’ “Best Colleges 2019” guidebook, UM moved up to 109th place in the top National Universities category, from 113th last year. MSU is at the 112 spot. UM also ranked 167th in the High School Counselor Rankings. And this year, the UM College of Business came in at 127 in the nation in the overall Best Biz School category, moving up 24 spots. MSU came in at 235.

“These rankings validate much about the work that is being done in the classroom at the University of Montana,” said Jon Harbor, UM provost and executive vice president. “Our world-class faculty are serving our students as teachers, mentors and coaches and bringing lessons to life through hands-on and transformational learning opportunities. That U.S. News & World Report has recognized us for that is not surprising.”

U.S. News released its flagship “Best Colleges” rankings Sept. 10 after surveying more than 1,800 colleges and universities across the nation. Its methodology focuses on academic excellence, with schools evaluated on hundreds of data points and up to 15 measures of academic quality, with an overall emphasis on student outcomes.

To view UM’s full listing, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-montana-2536/overall-rankings. For more information on the 2019 edition of U.S. News’ Best Colleges Rankings, visit http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges.

Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape in Missoula, UM was founded in 1893. The University offers academic excellence and unique educational experiences for its students in and out of the classroom through the integration of liberal arts, the sciences and professional education, with an array of international and interdisciplinary emphases.

To apply today and be in the center of it all, visit http://admissions.umt.edu/.

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