UNC ranked No. 3 among public universities in post-undergraduate student success and student learning by the Wall Street Journal.
UNC was one of four public schools to be included in the WSJ’s top 40 list of the nation’s best universities. Public universities that made the list included: No. 25 University of California at Los Angeles, No.27 University of Michigan and No. 33 UNC.
The WSJ evaluated 15 different factors when ranking the universities. The factors taken into consideration included resources, engagement, outcomes and environment.
Neither students nor administration were surprised by the University making the list.
“I think this ranking tells us this is quality education, but also shows the value in a Carolina degree,” said Kevin Guskiewicz, Dean of the College of Arts of Sciences. “We have world-class faculty that teach both undergrad and graduate programs. This ranking goes to show the return on investment of a Carolina degree. We are proud you can come here and graduate with minimal debt, while receiving a quality education.”
According to UNC's press release about the ranking, the University places special importance upon meeting each student's individual needs. From programs like Carolina Covenant — which provides low-income students with the opportunity to graduate debt-free — to University Career Services, UNC aims to give students a well-rounded education upon graduation.
“What I really care about is student success," said Gary Alan Miller, director of University Career Services. “I recognize at a place like Carolina there can and should be a lot of different definitions of student success. A big part of student success is mapping what an individual student wants to accomplish, to how well they were able to advance toward that. That is the root of the work we do at career services. It is really much more about what you want to accomplish and how we can help you get there.”
Maggie Franz, a graduate student and teaching assistant, expressed similar sentiments.
“I feel proud of the University," Franz said. "We have a lot of resources that I would not have otherwise. The faculty are way better than in other schools, so for a graduate student that is important for the purpose of networking.”
