U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized St. Edward's University as one of America 's Best Colleges. In the 2006 rankings, St. Edward's is 24th among master's-granting institutions in the Western region — and one of only four universities in Texas to rank in the top 25.

The latest recognition marks the third straight year St. Edward's has ranked in the top tier of the U.S. News list and includes a jump in rank — up from last year's ranking of 25.

"This increased recognition by U.S. News is a reaffirmation of the university's commitment to excellence and its mission to provide a transformative education for each student," said President George E. Martin. "As we look ahead to the next academic year, we will maintain our focus on increasing the quality of our students, academic programs and facilities, and we will continue working toward our vision to be recognized as one of the best small universities in the country."

The formula used by U.S. News to rank schools includes a set of six criteria: peer assessment, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. Moving up by even one number requires significant improvements in almost every area.  

The U.S. News rankings arrive on the heels of other national honors for the university. St. Edward's recently ranked 10th among NCAA Division II schools in the 2005 Collegiate Power Rankings released by the National Collegiate Scouting Association in August. The NCSA rankings help prospective student-athletes and parents evaluate the strengths of universities based on academic and athletic factors, as well as student-athlete graduation rates. NCSA calculates scores for each school at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels by averaging the U.S. News & World Report ranking, the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup ranking and the NCAA student-athlete graduation rate of each school.

Earlier this year, St. Edward's also was selected as one of America 's "Colleges of Distinction," an accolade for nationally recognized colleges and universities based on four criteria: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.