The 2016 ranking series of colleges by U.S. News and World Report, placed Le Moyne College in several categories, making this the 24th consecutive year to be recognized in categories of  “Best Colleges,” “Great Schools,” “Great Pricing”  and Veteran Categories.

President Dr. Le Mura stated, “Our performance over the years in the U.S. News & World Report rankings serves to reinforce the overall excellence of a Le Moyne education.”

In the ranking of  “Best Colleges” Le Moyne remained in the top 20 of the North Regional Universities category, coming in at #19 and tying with Rowan and Galludet. Colleges within this category are ranked based on several factors, including peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni involvement.

Joe Malone, a junior at Le Moyne, credits the college’s success in this category  to Le Moyne’s inclusive community, “In my opinion, the extreme sense of community at Le Moyne is what makes it such a great school. When every individual on campus has the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves, amazing things happen. Those amazing things are what define Le Moyne.”

Placing #7 in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” list, smarts of Le Moyne’s students are prevalent. The formulation of this list is based on the school’s academic quality, and the net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. Le Moyne’s rank clearly demonstrates the staff’s fundamental commitment to excellence and Le Moyne’s students’ drive. Brianna Natale is graduating this year and believes the college has definitely prepared her for her next step, “Le Moyne has not only given me a thorough education, but also made me a stronger leader and more socially conscious citizen. I’ve grown just as much as personally, as I have academically during my time here, and because of that I know I will be prepared for whatever the future holds for me following graduation.

Le Moyne also tied for #14 with Gallaudet University in the “Best College for Veterans” category. The student organization allows students to participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees.

Lastly, Le Moyne tied for #20 on the listing of institutions with the highest retention rate at 86 percent. Maintaining student interest and drive is always a problem for many colleges.

However, MacKenzie Pratt, a senior, believes, “I think the high retention rate reflects the kind of community we have here at Le Moyne. Over the last four years, the friends I have made here have become my extended family. Coming back here each year, always feels like coming home. Everyone on campus is here to help and watch you succeed. My professors, mentors, and friends have provided me with enormous support and have helped me become the person I am not ready (or want to)  leave in the spring, but I know Le Moyne has successfully prepared me to enter the real world and thrive.”