U.S. News Calls PSU One of the “Most Innovative Schools” in the Country

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Portland State University President Wim Wiewel

U.S. News & World Report on Thursday ranked Portland State University among the most innovative schools in the country in its Best Colleges 2016 Rankings.

PSU is the only campus in the state to make the list, which was published for the first time this year.

“This ranking recognizes what we already know about PSU,” said University President Wim Wiewel. “We’re always looking for new and better ways to educate our students and serve the community.”

U.S. News ranks colleges annually from indicators of academic excellence, including surveys of administrators at peer institutions, student retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.

Others Ranked

For the first time this year, U.S. News asked top academics to name campuses that are “making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.” A school had to receive at least seven nominations to be listed.

The school was ranked 16th, tied with Clemson University, ahead of well-ranked colleges such as the California Institute of Technology, New York University and the University of California, Berkley.

Wiewel, President of PSU, said the school’s ranking among such well-regarded institutions was a proud moment.

“It’s an honor to be part of a list that includes Harvard, Stanford and some of the greatest universities in the world,” Wiewel said.

Arizona State University, Tempe, claimed the rankings’ top spot, followed in the top five by Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Georgia State University, respectively.

Northeastern University, Duke University, Drexel University, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Harvard University rounded out the top 10.

Related Slideshow: Greenest Colleges in the Pacific Northwest

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45.

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington

Enrollment: 23,070

From the moment you arrive on the campus of Washington State, you sense that the university is a “tight-knit community.” In turn, this helps to foster a “friendly atmosphere” and “great spirit,” both of which permeate the school.

Photo courtesy of Washington State University website.

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44.

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, Washington

Enrollment: 2,541

The University of Puget Sound is “the ideal learning environment with plenty of opportunity for both academic and personal growth.” Students are encouraged to “branch out and go beyond their comfort zone in class and outside of class.”

Photo Courtesy of Puget Sound Website

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38.

Oregon State University

Corvallis, Oregon

Enrollment: 23,161

Oregon State University is a spirited, science-driven school, says a bioengineering major. Students at OSU enjoy the "exceptional 'green living' education" on campus.

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14.

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

Enrollment: 29,754

Ranked the 15th best university in the world*, the UW is home to a renowned medical center and top-ranked programs in medicine, engineering, nursing, law, business and social work.

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13.

Willamette University

Salem, Oregon

Enrollment: 2,375

Traditional academics are strong at Willamette, but perhaps what stands out most is that “learning opportunities outside of the classroom are endless.”

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11.

Portland State University

Portland, Oregon

Enrollment: 23,170

Portland State University’s motto is “let knowledge serve the city,” and students echo this philosophy, saying their school “has a strong focus on civic engagement and sustainability.”

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1.

Lewis & Clark

Portland, Oregon

Enrollment: 2,179

On a stunning campus in one of the most exciting and progressive cities anywhere, the next generation of global thinkers gathers to discard conventional thinking, civic complacency, and outmoded preconceptions.