Stetson University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2023-2024 academic year, marking its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes.

The Colleges of Distinction’s selection process includes in-depth research and detailed interviews with the school, accepting only those that adhere to Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. 

“We are honored to receive this national recognition from Colleges of Distinction,” said Stetson University President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. “This affirms our deep commitment to provide a relationship-rich education for our students – one based on close interactions and mentoring from top-notch faculty, and opportunities to flourish outside the classroom through study abroad, internships and student research.”

To be named a College of Distinction, Stetson demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such areas as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning and community involvement. The university provides a well-rounded, practical education that prepares students for successful careers and lives, the college guide said.

For example, what makes a school great? Colleges of Distinction hand-picks and individually reviews all schools to see how they help students learn, grow and succeed — with the belief that a thorough selection process requires “so much more than an overview of institutional data and statistics.”

In its own words: “College is not just a degree. It’s four pivotal years of one’s development. To find which schools are ready to support your academic, professional and personal goals, look at the way they practice the Four Distinctions.”

And what is great teaching? According to Colleges of Distincion, studies show students learn best in an atmosphere where there is abundant feedback and encouragement. Faculty interaction is crucial to learning; students who get meaningful comments on their papers and who feel comfortable talking to their professors outside of class are getting more out of their education. Students lose out on these interactions when they have to sit in big, impersonal classes, or when their professors are encouraged to pursue research above teaching, or when they are taught primarily by graduate students.

The official description: “It’s getting to really know students and knowing them by name. It’s working to engage everyone to the fullest. It’s developing new and exciting academic programs, learning centers, and other cutting-edge educational opportunities. … These colleges encourage an atmosphere of exciting thought and action, led by professors who care about helping students learn to think for themselves. At the Colleges of Distinction, academic innovation goes hand-in-hand with personalized learning.”

More Bests for Stetson

In addition to being named a national and a Florida College of Distinction, Stetson was recognized as a Best Business College, Best Education College, Best College for Equity & Inclusion and Best for Career Development.

For one, as part of the Best Business College selection, Stetson exhibited the following characteristics, among others: multidisciplinary exposure across all aspects of business; real-world experience through internships and other forms of engagement with actual firms; industry connections that help students build their network and access to professional growth; business ethics that emphasize how a firm’s obligations extend beyond its shareholders; collaborative learning, in both business and general education courses, that stress the nuances of an efficient team; and dedicated advisors and counselors who have a clear understanding of students’ academic and post-graduate milestones.

“We are deeply inspired by how Stetson University immerses students in their academic pursuits, fostering a welcoming community that provides unwavering support throughout their college years and beyond,” commented Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction.

Unlike some college guides, Colleges of Distinction doesn’t rank schools based on factors like faculty salaries, endowment size and peer opinion. Instead, it selects schools for its national list of Colleges of Distinction, as well as a state list and in specialty areas like business and education.

“We prefer to focus on the innovative ways that colleges all around the country are providing an enriching undergraduate experience,” said Schritter with Colleges of Distinction. “We believe that engaged students are successful students.”

At Stetson, students benefit from small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1. After graduation, they enjoy a 91% success rate in securing meaningful employment or graduate school admission.

Students also find a vibrant and diverse campus with more than 100 student organizations, 18 NCAA Division I athletic teams, and classmates from across the United States and 56 other countries. 

In addition to the recognition by Colleges of Distinction, Stetson has consistently been named a top university in other rankings and lists. Stetson was selected as one of the best undergraduate institutions in the nation for 2023 by The Princeton Review and one of the top universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report.