Otterbein recognized as a “Best Value School” in the Regional University-Midwest category; recognized for “Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching” Westerville, OH—Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, providing educational opportunities for veterans, and focus on affordability, integrative teaching and learning, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the U.S. News & World Report 2019 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” Otterbein is ranked in the top 10 percent among 171 peers in the Regional Universities–Midwest category and once again named a “Best Value School” and an “A+ Schools for B Students.” Otterbein ranked 17th overall; 11th in its category on the “Best Colleges for Veterans” list; and premiered at 9th in its category for “A Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching.”  “We strive to create opportunities for students from all backgrounds, so we are honored to not only rank in the top 10, but also to be named a Best Value School and A+ School for B Students,” said Otterbein President John Comerford. “This reaffirms our values as we continue working in the right direction towards opportunity, diversity, inclusion and academic excellence.” Recruitment efforts are yielding impressive results at increasing the diversity of the student body at Otterbein. This fall’s first-year class is 23 percent students of color, making it the most diverse class in Otterbein’s history, for the fifth year in a row. Thirty-two percent of the entering class is eligible for the federal Pell grant, thanks to the university’s focus on access, affordability and opportunity. Initiatives like scholarships for students from under-served school districts and partnerships with organizations like I Know I Can – Columbus have brought more diverse students to Otterbein. Additionally, Otterbein has launched a new dual admission program with Columbus State Community College this fall, with 35 students enrolled in its first semester. Once students are here, they continue to receive the support they need. Otterbein established the Center for Student Success to remove barriers to success for students at risk of leaving college. It has greatly increased the retention rate of the University and created countless success stories for previously at-risk students. Otterbein’s unique curriculum integrating classroom and experiential learning, along with the high level of personal attention students receive, contribute to the University’s ranking. Otterbein’s Five Cardinal Experiences program encourages students to explore community engagement; research and creative work; internships and professional experiences; citizenship and leadership; and global and intercultural engagement. Otterbein’s new innovation center, The Point, is increasing opportunities for hands-on learning experiences on campus. According to the guide, institutions in the Regional Universities category provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs with some offering select doctoral programs. Otterbein offers master’s degrees in allied health, business, education, educational mathematics and nursing, as well as a doctor of nursing practice degree. Otterbein competed with schools from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri for this honor. The entire survey can be viewed at colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges.