Penn College News

Penn College Recognized for Innovation in ‘Best Colleges’ Rankings

Monday, September 10, 2018

Pennsylvania College of Technology, nationally renowned for its hands-on approach to learning and responsiveness to workforce needs, has received validation for its unique educational model in U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of “Most Innovative Schools.”

As part of the 2019 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings issued today, Penn College is listed as the No. 1 Most Innovative School (among public institutions) in the Regional Colleges North category. When private colleges are included, Penn College is tied for third in the Most Innovative rankings with Unity College, Maine – behind only Cooper Union and Paul Smith’s College.



Best Colleges - Regional Colleges - NorthPenn College also rose in the rankings for Best Regional Colleges North and the Best Colleges for Veterans in the Regional Colleges North category. The college is ranked No. 5 among public institutions and 12th overall for Best Regional Colleges North (tied in both instances with SUNY College of Technology-Alfred). In the Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Colleges North, Penn College is ranked No. 3 among public schools and sixth overall (again tied with SUNY-Alfred). The college climbed one place in each of the overall rankings.

“We are pleased to be recognized by U.S. News’ Best Colleges for being an innovator,” said Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour. “The ‘Most Innovative Schools’ rankings rely on nominations from top administrators at peer institutions, demonstrating that our educational mission and model are resonating within the higher-education community. We have long known that our approach yields results – as evidenced by our 96 percent graduate-placement rate and industry accolades – and it’s gratifying to know that we are no longer a ‘best-kept secret’ in academic circles.”

According to U.S. News, the Most Innovative Schools (a web-exclusive category) were determined by a peer assessment survey that asked college presidents, provosts and admissions deans “to nominate up to 10 colleges or universities in their U.S. News Best Colleges ranking category that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.”

Penn College is also ranked No. 19 in the Best Value Schools category for the Regional Colleges North listings.

More about the 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings can be found online.

For more about Penn College, a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call 800-367-9222.

An Open House – scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 28 – is a great way for prospective students and their families to learn firsthand about what the college has to offer.