Drury University Ranking Profile

Drury University, located in Springfield, Missouri, is a leading private liberal arts institution that has earned recognition for its academic rigor, commitment to student success, and vibrant campus community. Founded in 1873, Drury has evolved from a small regional college into a prestigious institution known for its well-rounded education that blends the liberal arts tradition with professional programs. As an accredited institution, Drury offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. With a strong academic reputation and a history of fostering student involvement and engagement, Drury University continues to be an important player in the realm of higher education.

Drury University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. This accreditation ensures that the university adheres to the highest standards of academic quality and that its programs are recognized by employers and educational institutions across the country. The university's commitment to excellence is reflected in its various specialized accreditations. For instance, the Breech School of Business Administration, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the prestigious AACSB International. These accreditations are a mark of distinction in the field of business education and indicate that Drury’s business programs meet the rigorous standards set by global accrediting bodies.

In addition to its business programs, Drury’s education department also enjoys accreditation at both the baccalaureate and master’s levels by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation ensures that students in Drury's teacher preparation programs receive a high-quality education that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful educators in diverse classrooms. The university’s broad array of fully accredited academic programs underscores its dedication to providing students with a comprehensive and high-quality education in a range of fields.

Drury is a member of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Associated New American Colleges (ANAC), which are organizations that advocate for the values and principles of liberal arts education. These memberships reflect the university's dedication to supporting a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to learning and its commitment to fostering the intellectual, ethical, and social development of students.

One of the key aspects that sets Drury University apart is its ranking among the nation’s best universities. According to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 edition of Best Colleges, Drury is ranked 10th among Best Regional Universities in the Midwest, a testament to the university's consistent academic excellence and the high quality of the education it offers. This ranking places Drury among the top institutions in the region, competing with both public and private universities. The university's inclusion in this prestigious list speaks to its ability to provide a top-tier education while maintaining a strong focus on student satisfaction and overall quality of life.

In addition to its high national ranking, Drury has been consistently recognized for providing excellent value for the price. The Princeton Review selected Drury as one of its "Best Value" schools for 2010, an honor that reflects the university’s ability to offer high-quality education at an affordable price. This recognition is based on surveys of administrators and students at over 650 public and private colleges and universities across the nation. Drury's inclusion on this list indicates that the university provides a balance of academic excellence and affordability, making it an attractive option for students seeking a well-rounded education without the burden of excessive debt.

Drury has also received recognition for its affordability in the U.S. News & World Report's "Great Schools at Great Prices" list. This ranking highlights colleges that offer high-quality academic programs at an affordable cost, and Drury has maintained a strong presence on this list since 1999. By keeping tuition reasonable while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence, Drury has established itself as a top choice for students looking for an exceptional education at a competitive price.

Drury’s commitment to providing an enriching and challenging education is further evident in its ranking as one of the "Institutions of Excellence" by the Policy Center on the First Year of College. This distinction recognizes universities that excel in helping students transition from high school to college and succeed during their first year of study. Drury’s first-year programs are designed to foster academic achievement, build community, and support personal growth, ensuring that students have the tools and resources they need to succeed from day one.

According to the results of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) in 2007, Drury students are more involved and challenged by their education compared to their counterparts at other colleges and universities. Drury consistently scored at or above the national average in every category of the survey, which measures student engagement and satisfaction. This high level of student involvement and engagement is a key part of the Drury experience. The university places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, faculty-student interaction, and community service, ensuring that students are not only academically challenged but also actively engaged in their personal and professional development.

Drury University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Its academic offerings span the humanities, sciences, social sciences, business, and the arts. Students can choose from majors such as Biology, Psychology, Education, Business Administration, Computer Science, History, Political Science, and Art, among others. The university’s flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to fit their individual interests and career goals.

The Breech School of Business Administration is one of Drury's standout programs, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business. The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles, management practices, and the global marketplace. In addition to its academic rigor, the Breech School offers students valuable networking opportunities through internships, cooperative education programs, and partnerships with local businesses. This focus on real-world experience helps prepare students for leadership roles in the business world.

Drury University is also known for its strong commitment to the arts and creative disciplines. The university’s art and design programs encourage students to think critically and express themselves creatively while developing practical skills in various forms of visual arts, including graphic design, painting, sculpture, and photography. The music and theatre departments also provide students with opportunities to perform, create, and showcase their talents in a supportive and vibrant artistic community.

In addition to its academic programs, Drury offers students a wide variety of extracurricular activities and campus amenities that contribute to a rich and fulfilling college experience. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern library, athletic facilities, and student housing, all of which enhance the overall student experience. Drury’s commitment to student engagement extends beyond the classroom, with numerous student organizations, leadership opportunities, and service projects available to students.

Drury’s athletic programs, known as the Drury Panthers, provide students with the chance to compete at the collegiate level in a range of sports, including basketball, soccer, tennis, and swimming. The university’s strong emphasis on both academics and athletics helps foster a well-rounded student body, encouraging students to excel in their studies while remaining active and engaged in physical activities.

In conclusion, Drury University is a distinguished institution that combines a strong liberal arts education with specialized programs in business, education, and the arts. Its rigorous academic standards, exceptional faculty, and commitment to student success have earned it a place among the top universities in the Midwest. With its emphasis on student engagement, affordability, and hands-on learning, Drury University provides an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and in life. Whether pursuing a degree in the sciences, humanities, business, or the arts, Drury students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.