FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2009

Webster University’s Study Abroad Programs Receive Special Recognition in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” 2010 Edition

ST. LOUIS, August 21, 2009 – Webster University’s Study Abroad programs rank in the top 2 percent of the more than 1,400 colleges and universities surveyed in the just-released “America’s Best Colleges” 2010 edition of U.S. News & World Report. Webster is one of just 34 U.S. institutions to share this distinction, which recognizes study abroad programs that involve substantial academic work for credit and considerable interaction with the local culture. In addition to Webster, other schools cited for their study abroad programs include Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Georgetown University, New York University and University of Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. News report.

Overall, Webster University ranked 24th in the “Best Universities-Master’s” (Midwest) category. Nationwide, 572 universities are in the “Best Universities-Master’s” category; 142 of those are in the Midwest region. Ranking criteria include peer assessment, average freshman retention rate, average graduation rate, percent of classes with fewer than 20 students, percent of classes with more than 50 students, student/faculty ratio, percent of faculty who are full time, SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rate, percent of freshmen in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class and average alumni giving rate.

“The U.S. News & World Report rankings are a testament to everything that makes Webster University such a great destination for students who want to achieve academic excellence,” said Webster University President Dr. Elizabeth J. Stroble. “The survey also singles out our commitment to global study and global citizenship, which is recognized throughout the United States and around the world.”

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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