Stetson Named Among Best U.S. Colleges by The Princeton Review

Stetson University has been recognized as one of the leading undergraduate institutions in the nation by The Princeton Review for the fifth year in a row. This honor, given to only about 15% of America’s four-year colleges, appears in the 2020 edition of “The Best 385 Colleges.”

“Challenging academics that help students grow intellectually while honing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills are trademarks of a Stetson education,” said Stetson University President Wendy B. Libby, PhD. “A Stetson degree is made more valuable by the experiential learning through internships and research, as well as the opportunities provided for international study. And for a private education, this is all amazingly affordable.”

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President Wendy B. Libby, PhD

Published annually since 1992, “The Best 385 Colleges” contains detailed profiles of each college, which includes excerpts from student surveys and rating scores in eight categories, including Academics, Admissions Selectivity and Financial Aid, among others.

In its profile on Stetson University, The Princeton Review editors praise Stetson for the value it places on the rigor of the secondary school record and academic GPA. “Stetson’s acceptance rate is deceptively high,” says the publication, explaining “this school attracts go-getters and each year’s freshman class profile is more impressive than the last.” Other important factors that Stetson looks at include class rank, application essay, interview, recommendations and volunteer work.

Students believe Stetson is in the “perfect location” between Daytona Beach and Orlando, with “tons of outdoor space and recreation.”

Students believe Stetson is in the “perfect location” between Daytona Beach and Orlando, with “tons of outdoor space and recreation” where students hang out with friends and relax in the sun. Students also say “the abundance of clubs on campus and willingness to let them all speak their minds” is a very important aspect of life at Stetson that students hold close to their hearts.

Among student comments regarding academics: professors are their “biggest cheerleaders,” “very willing to meet outside of class,” “love to help you find research opportunities or write recommendations,” and “when someone says ‘please call/text me’ they actually mean it.” Students also say that faculty loop them into their work on consulting projects with the Orlando business community, where they can “gain work experience, network and broaden [their] resume.”

According to The Princeton Review: Stetson students describe the school as diverse, with an “abundance of culture radiating through our campus.” [T]his is “a fairly close-knit” group that focuses a lot on community engagement, and “some of the most friendly people you will ever meet.” There is a “huge international student population” at Stetson, which adds “an amazing viewpoint” to the already incredibly tolerant university.