“Misericordia University has been working hard to continually improve and enhance the quality of our undergraduate and graduate programs,’’ said Michael A. MacDowell, president of Misericordia University. “It is nice to see that this process has been recognized by peer institutions.’’

The individual data elements that comprise the overall U.S. News & World Report ranking score should be carefully reviewed. Misericordia’s graduation rate (69 percent) — a key factor in the rankings — equals or exceeds that of other colleges and universities with overall higher rankings. Other Misericordia data used to calculate the rankings that match or exceed other highly ranked colleges and universities include the percent of classes under 20 students (58 percent), student faculty ratio (12 to 1), and the percentage of alumni giving (27 percent).

“Although the U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges edition is a widely accepted process, the final rankings come down to a numerical calculation of several pieces of data,’’ said Jim Roberts, director of marketing communications at Misericordia University. “Many college students say they choose a college because it is the ‘right fit for them.’ Numerical calculations can be used as a guide, but they certainly cannot paint the whole picture of a college or university.’’

Furthermore, for smaller, regional colleges like Misericordia University, name recognition plays a negative factor in the rankings. Twenty-five percent of the overall score is derived from peer reviews — surveys of other college presidents, academic deans and admissions directors from far outside the immediate area. The Misericordia University admissions staff recommends students and parents visit a college or university and speak directly to their students, faculty and staff to determine if it is the right choice for them.

Perhaps the best measure of a college or university is what its own students say about it. The prestigious National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) surveys freshmen and seniors regarding important measures of quality undergraduate education. It determines how “engaged” they are in specific activities. When compared to other institutions, Misericordia scores significantly better in areas such as applying theories and concepts to practical problems, acquiring job related skills, having quality interactions with faculty and learning to work effectively with others. More than 600 U.S. colleges and universities now participate in NSSE.

Misericordia University also holds for 2010 a “Best Northeastern College” designation by the Princeton Review, a student-survey based measure of quality colleges and universities. MU is one of 218 institutions recommended in the “Best in the Northeast’’ section of the PrincetonReview.com feature, “2010 Best Colleges Region by Region.’’

The Princeton Review article states that Misericordia University “provides a solid education for the outside world while giving excellent opportunities for service.” MU students praise MU for providing “personal’’ attention and “teachers are always available for students’’ and “are always willing to help you in and out of the classroom.’’ One undergraduate student in the survey summed up his experience at Misericordia by stating: “It’s been hard work, but I know I’m getting a good education and a reputable degree.’’

For more information about Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu.