Princeton Review names Manchester a ‘Best in the Midwest’ university
Manchester University is one of the best colleges in the Midwest, according to the Princeton Review.
The well-known education services company lists the university with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., among its "Best in the Midwest" recommended schools in “2019 Best Colleges: Region by Region.”
Manchester, a perennial on that list, annually ranks among the best in the nation and the Midwest as a "Best Value" and for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to volunteer service.
"We chose Manchester University and the other outstanding institutions on this list primarily for their excellent academics," said Robert Franek, the Princeton Review's editor-in-chief.
“I sincerely believe the world needs more Manchester graduates,” said MU President Dave McFadden. “It is our mission to respect the infinite worth of every person and do our utmost to see that the students of ability and conviction who come through our doors leave as principled, productive and compassionate graduates who go on to improve the human condition.”
The Manchester community “inspires them to discover their best selves and succeed beyond their own expectations,” he said.
Only 159 colleges in the 12 Midwestern states made the "Best in the Midwest" list for 2019.
For its 27th edition, “Best 387 Colleges 2019,” the Princeton Review surveyed 138,000 students at schools across the nation.
What students say
Manchester undergraduate students cited in the report said MU “has a particularly safe and welcoming community” where civil discourse is nurtured and respected. As one said, students are friendly and welcoming, and "most have an open mind about everyone and everything. But when they have a strong belief … they stand up for it."
Students noted that within just a few weeks on campus they discovered they could let their guard down, “and that making friends only takes a single conversation while waiting in line!" As one first-year student said, “Within a week of my first year, I felt at home.”
Manchester University students said they spend most their time studying and pursuing co-curricular activities. In their free time they "usually have meals together as friends,” or watch movies. They often visit "Fort Wayne or Huntington on the weekends," where they can find malls, restaurants, "a nice night life, and [a] wide variety of things to do like laser tag or rock climbing.
"The town around the school is not very lively, so many times you have to find things to do around campus and with your friends," one student said. Luckily, "Manchester has many clubs for students to get involved" in addition to events put on by the Manchester Activities Council (MAC) "like magicians, hypnotists, bonfires, glow-in-the-dark dance parties, and mud volleyball."
Manchester faculty members "are very passionate about their subjects," and students go on to say that they are getting "a high-quality education" where they "actually learn knowledge instead of just [memorizing] it before the exam."
"Manchester is all about providing opportunities to not only advance one's education but also to develop as a person," one student said.
The Princeton Review editors also made their selections based on data collected from administrators, staff visits to schools over the years and college counselors. The feature is accessible here. You might need to set up a password to see all of the contents.
About Manchester
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., is a northeast Indiana leader in health science education. It offers more than 60 areas of academic study to nearly 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy and a four-year dual degree combining pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu .
Note: The Princeton Review does not rank the schools but lists them in alphabetical order.
August 2018