The U.S News and World Report recently published its 2020 best regional colleges in the west list. St. Edward’s University placed in the top ten colleges, ranking number eight above colleges such as California Lutheran College, Point Loma Nazarene University and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

Previous rankings awarded to SEU were number 12 and number 18 from their 2019 and 2018 lists, respectively. With the recent announcement of St. Edward’s new ranking, faculty and students alike shared their thoughts on how SEU’s new ranking has impacted them and the campus community.

“I was very excited! Moving up four spots in one year requires teamwork and unity. Every person on-campus – faculty, staff, and students contribute to the mission that drives our reputation,” Steven Pinkenburg, Dean of Students and Title IX coordinator at SEU said. “Our rankings put St. Ed’s and the Holy Cross mission in the spotlight. I hope that when high schoolers see that St. Edward’s continues to gain national recognition, they will realize that joining the Hilltop family is a worthwhile investment,” he added.

Dean of Admissions Drew Nichols also shared his insight on how the U.S. News and World Report ranking’s impact on high schoolers applying to colleges.

“Students also want affirmation that the universities that they are considering are more widely considered ‘good schools.’ The US News & World Report ranking provides some credibility and allows students to feel that they’re applying to a place that people recognize and where good things are happening.”

Chair of the Communication Department at St. Edward’s, Dr. Stephen King, said the new ranking “did not surprise” him given the institution’s reputation for providing students a high-quality education.” King says that he feels “proud to be a member of the St. Edward’s community” that works to create a high-quality learning environment.

While both faculty and staff alike have voiced their opinion on the new ranking and what it means for the SEU community, some have other reactions to the new ranking from U.S. News and World report. Speaking with some students and hearing their thoughts gave a perspective that was a stark contrast from what the staff and faculty had stated.

Tristin Castillo, a senior at SEU, shared her initial thoughts with the school’s rank. “I was like, how? I think there are areas that the school is lacking in. I don’t understand why we’re ranked so high when we have a lot of internal problems.”

Castillo referred to last year’s flooding of the Pavilions, which resulted in hundreds of students being relocated to other housing facilities and loss of personal items.

When asked how this ranking could impact high schoolers applying to colleges, Castillo said that it wouldn’t.

“Students don’t know how they feel until they come and visit on campus,” she said. “I feel that parents will take this ranking more seriously than the students,” Castillo said.