Southeast earns recognition in best college rankings

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Southeast Missouri State University has been recognized among the top 100 best regional universities in the Midwest, according to the 2020 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.

Southeast is ranked 78th among the best regional universities in the Midwest, up 12 places from its 2019 ranking. Institutions classified as “Regional Universities” offer a broad scope of undergraduate degrees and some master’s degree programs. Only one other Missouri public institution is ranked ahead of Southeast on this list.

The rankings also listed Southeast as the 16th best public school among Midwestern regional universities. Southeast moved up four places in this category from the previous year and is the second highest ranked Missouri public institution on this list.

In addition, Southeast is ranked 31st among top performers on social mobility for regional Midwestern universities, making it the highest ranked Missouri public institution in this category. This ranking recognizes universities that are successful at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large numbers of disadvantaged students who have been awarded Pell Grants.

“I am very pleased to see Southeast recognized as a top social mobility performer,” said Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast Missouri State University. “Our recently announced Will To Do Award is aimed at making higher education more affordable and accessible throughout the state. This award further enhances our commitment to providing financial support to students who need it most so those with financial need can achieve their college dreams.”

Vargas said student success is the University’s top priority.

“Our commitment to student learning through personal support is the hallmark of our student experience at Southeast,” he said. “Our faculty offer students first-rate teaching and guidance, preparing them for extraordinary careers in the workforce after graduation.”

Southeast has been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1993.