In the 2010 edition of America’s Best Colleges by U.S.News and World Report, Claflin University is ranked #1 among Baccalaureate colleges in the South for having a strong commitment to teaching. Claflin is also ranked #2 in the South as a “Top Up-and-Coming School” based on having made the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, and facilities.

U.S.News asked schools to rate which of their peers does the best job of teaching undergraduates. Eighty colleges and universities were singled out most often when experts were asked to identify schools where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching. Claflin University was the top school in the South among Baccalaureate colleges and universities.

“We are absolutely delighted with this recognition” said President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “This is consistent with our long range plan and vision to be recognized as one of the premier undergraduate teaching and research universities in the world that prepares visionary leaders with global perspectives. In all that we do, teaching our students and making sure they receive a quality education are by far our main goals. We have a stellar faculty here at Claflin whose commitment to teaching their fields of study go far beyond the classroom. They are in these students’ lives, making sure that they learn, understand and are prepared for their careers once they graduate. To be recognized for the tireless effort of our faculty and their strong commitment to teaching is indeed remarkable.”

Claflin also earned a #2 ranking among Baccalaureate colleges in the South for having recently made “striking improvements or innovations.” It is among 77 colleges and universities nationwide recognized as a school everyone should be watching, according to U.S.News and World Report.

“For prospective applicants, we believe the schools in this list offer the reassurance that whatever their historical reputation, they’re firmly focused on improving the job they are doing today,” the report states.

For the 12^th consecutive year, Claflin University was ranked One of America’s Best Colleges, earning #12 spot among Baccalaureate Colleges in the South, and is ranked #8 among the nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The exclusive rankings, which include more than 1,400 schools nationwide, are available today at www.usnews.com/colleges and will also be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine on newsstands starting Aug. 20.

Over the past 26 years, the U.S. News college rankings, which groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. The America's Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.

“We are proud to again be recognized as One of America’s Best Colleges by U.S.News and World Report,” Dr. Tisdale said. “The criteria used in calculating these rankings are all components we strive to excel in here at Claflin – graduation and retention rates, student selectivity and financial resources. And, once again, we have been recognized for having one of the highest alumni giving rates among southern baccalaureate colleges and the highest rate among HBCUs. We thank U.S.News and World Report for continuing to recognize our efforts.”