September 24, 2024

Wheeling University Receives High Marks from U.S. News & World Report

WHEELING, W.Va., Sept. 24 – Wheeling University has once again been chosen one of the best regional universities in the south region by U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges Guide. The ranking places Wheeling as a top tier university for social mobility as well.

In its annual college guide, U.S. News scored Wheeling University at 57th among Regional Universities in the South region (tied with four other institutions). Additionally, the University received high marks for Social Mobility – 29th among institutions in the South region. 

“The faculty and staff of Wheeling University are proud to be recognized by U.S. News for their commitment to providing a quality, Catholic education to the students entrusted in their care,” Vargo said. “The rankings demonstrate to parents and prospective students, that Wheeling stresses academic rigor in all content areas,” said University President Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D.

U.S. News defines regional universities as those that offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees, as well as master’s and doctorate level programs. This year the magazine used many measurement tools to conduct extensive research of each institution. Through that research, the magazine then scored each school within those categories to determine this year’s rankings. Each year, U.S. News’ rankings are driven by quantitative data that looks at such items retention rates, academic quality and financial aid offered.

Wheeling University rankings climbed in various areas in the past year. The University saw higher scores in Pell Grant Competitive Graduation Rate (108% higher), First Year Retention Rate (100% increase) and Pell Grant Graduation Rate Rank (48% jump).

Additionally, Wheeling was once again named a top regional university for social mobility. Social Mobility measures the extent that institutions enroll and graduate students who receive Pell Grants. 

“Wheeling University was founded in 1954 and remains the only campus-based Catholic institution of higher education in West Virginia. This wonderful University provides our students with opportunity — opportunity to learn, to grow, to lead and to serve others,” Vargo added.