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FRANKFORT — Kentucky State University (KSU) is among the top universities in the South according to the recently released 2017 U.S. News and World Report college rankings.

KSU ranks 16th among 56 of the South’s best regional institutions according to the rating service. A regional college is defined by its emphasis on undergraduate education while awarding less than half of its degrees in liberal arts disciplines.

Kentucky State University also ranked as a top three regional public institution in the South out of 13 ranked schools. This category is classified by U.S. News and World Report as colleges and universities operating under the supervision of state governments and is funded in part by tax dollars and subsidies from the state. As a result, these institutions offer discounted tuition rates to in-state residents.

U.S. News and World Report also ranked KSU 29th among historically black universities (HBCU) in the nation. This category applies to institutions with the federal designation as an HBCU. To qualify for the ranking, the institution must be baccalaureate-granting and enroll first-year, first-time students.

“We are very pleased to be recognized for the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of Kentucky State University,” Interim President of Kentucky State University, Dr. Aaron Thompson, said. “We know that recognitions such as this would not be possible if it were not for the hard work and dedication of our outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters.” Thompson added, “At Kentucky State University, we have a saying, and that is we are ‘Racing toward KSU’s brightest future.’ This distinction is yet another validation that we are in fact moving in a positive direction.”

The rankings can be found on the magazine’s website, www.usnews.com.

Based on data submitted by the individual colleges and universities, U.S. News and World Report compiles its annual America’s Best Colleges rankings. The rankings are based on each school’s score compiled of graduation rates, class size, faculty qualifications, standardized test scores, incoming freshmen grade point averages in high school, acceptance rate and the alumni giving rate. The rankings help prospective students determine the best higher education institution to meet their needs.

ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY

Kentucky State University, building on its legacy of achievement as a historically black, liberal arts, and 1890 land grant University affords access to and prepares a diverse population of traditional and non-traditional students through high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs. Located in Kentucky, KSU offers associate (two-year) degrees in two disciplines, baccalaureate (four-year) degrees in 24 disciplines, master’s degrees in eight disciplines, and one advanced practice doctorate in Nursing. KSU has 129 full-time instructional faculty members and more than 1,700 students.