Stetson University has been recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life as one of 319 colleges in the United States, Canada and Great Britain to be included in The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2013. The annual guide is compiled by former New York Times education editor Edward B. Fiske.

Stetson is praised for the quality of its teaching, academic rigor, personal attention and vibrant campus life. The guide features distinctive programs at Stetson including the Roland George Investments Program, Sullivan Creative Writing Program, Family Enterprise Center, Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience, Lawson Program in philosophy and innovative First Year Seminars. It notes the university’s proximity to Orlando and the beaches and highlights Stetson’s active fraternities and sororities and athletics program.

Stetson is one of nine Florida colleges and universities included in this year’s guide, which came out in late July. Publishers of the Fiske Guide say they include “the best and most interesting of the more than 2,200 four-year colleges and universities in the United States.” An overview for each school is given, covering subjects including academics, campus setting, student body, financial aid, housing, food, social life and extracurricular activities, along with statistics on a variety of subjects.

“With top-notch business courses and surprising strengths in music and Russian studies, this Florida university continues to attract students who aren’t afraid to wear a variety of hats during their stay,” the 2013 edition says. “Stetson students savor the one-on-one attention freely given at this small Sunshine State university. After four years spent enjoying great weather and forming close friendships with peers and professors, they emerge with solid academic foundations for future work or study.”

Selections for the Fiske Guide are made with several broad principles in mind, starting with academic quality. It provides a “Sizing Yourself Up” questionnaire that helps students figure out what kind of school is best for them.

The other Florida colleges and universities included in The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2013 are Eckerd College, University of Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Southern College, Florida State University, University of Miami, New College of Florida and Rollins College.