Alaska Pacific University has been ranked number 52 in the Western Master's Level Universities in the recently published 2004 Edition of U.S.News & World Report's Guide to America's Best Colleges. This annual publication ranks over 1,400 colleges and universities in order to assist prospective students in the hunt for their ideal college.

According to U.S.News & World Report, institutions are ranked through 15 indicators of academic excellence including peer assessment, retention, student-to-faculty ratio, faculty resources, selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate, and alumni giving.

The move places APU in the company of Humboldt State University, California State University - Stanislaus, California State University - Fresno, and Central Washington University.

Alaska Pacific's step up may well be attributed to 7% increase in the average graduation rate, the result of APU's move to a 5-year guaranteed tuition plan and time-efficient course of study, and increased giving from alumni.

APU's low student/faculty ratio and small class sizes, allowing for personal attention to each student, also contributed to its high standing.

Mike Warner, Co-Director of Admissions stated, "APU's continued position in the top half of Western Colleges is a testament to our exceptional students and the commitment of our faculty and staff to fostering a quality educational experience. We believe this is most evident in the energy accompanying the arrival of our incoming class."

Dr. Marilyn Barry, Academic Dean of APU, noted that the university's rank has climbed steadily in the Guide's reports over the last several years-moving progressively from the fourth, to the third, and then, last year, to the second tier. With the elimination of a second tier in the current report, APU has been advanced to the single ranked list. "The breakdown in the rankings notes strengths in areas we're striving for: low student/faculty ration and class size-components essential to our focus on 'active learning.'"

Alaska Pacific University is becoming well known for its "active learning" approach to education in all its academic programs. Active Learning consistently requires students to apply what they are learning to real world projects, in class field projects and also in projects that the students design under the supervision of the faculty. Each undergraduate student carries out a senior project of significant scope as the culmination of the undergraduate course of study.

To view the U.S.News & World Report's Guide to America's Best Colleges please go to: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/directory/brief/drglance_1061_brief.php