KU News Release

KU receives high marks for academics, quality of life from Fiske Guide

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is “one of the premier college bargains in the United States,” according to one of the oldest and most respected college guides.

The “Fiske Guide to Colleges 2009” gives KU four stars for academics, social life and quality of life, lauding the university’s honors program as well as its beautiful campus — “among the loveliest in the United States.”

“With nearly 40 nationally ranked academic programs, Kansas’ reputation (the nonbasketball one) continues to grow,” says the guide. “Comprehensive study abroad programs, extensive undergraduate research opportunities, and a thriving social scene are just some of the reasons students become a Jayhawk.”

The guide singles out several fields as KU’s “strongest programs”: architecture and urban planning; business; economics; engineering; environmental studies; nursing; pharmacy; social welfare; pre-med studies; and Spanish and Portuguese. Journalism also is praised.

“It’s gratifying to again receive such high marks in this respected guide,” said KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway. “Our students, faculty and staff deserve the credit for making KU a great place to be.”

KU is the only Kansas university ranked by the guide.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.