ACU was ranked the nation’s 18th most beautiful campus in a list compiled by Newsweek magazine.
The rankings were based on ratings of campus aesthetics, sunny days per year, comfort index of weather and the student body’s attractiveness on a point scale out of ten. Ratings came from the website, College Prowler, where students can write reviews and rate different aspects of campus such as academics, athletics, dining and weather.
Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost of ACU, could see the campus benefiting from the high ranking.
“Anytime that we have a chance to showcase the great programs and facilities at ACU it is helpful for us,” Rhodes said. “We have a great story to tell and a great place to tell it from. This type of ranking might serve as an introduction to ACU for students and parents who aren’t familiar with us and might help prospective students view ACU in a new light.”
In an ACU press release, Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president and dean of student life, expressed that he thought the reason for the university’s high ranking runs deeper than just the level of attractiveness of the campus and students.
“We stand out for, among other things, having a beautiful campus and wonderful students,” Thompson. “But it’s how everyone here is committed to making a difference in the world as a reflection of their commitment to Christ – that’s what makes us truly special.”
Some students were surprised to hear about the 18th ranking because of the tough competition across the nation.
“I was pretty surprised when I heard we were in the top 25,” Brian Lang, freshman business major from Abilene, said. “I mean it’s no shock of how high the attractiveness of men and women was ranked because there are plenty of good looking people at ACU. But it’s hard to believe we are so close to Pepperdine in ranking because Abilene is nothing like Malibu. Even though it may not be true, I take pride in the fact that we are 18 because that is pretty tough to do when you are in Abilene.”
Rhodes said the ranking is impressive and indicative of how the campus held up in the different criteria.
“I am of course proud for us but was also a little surprised,” Rhodes said. “With more than 2,000 public and private universities in the U.S., a Top 25 ranking is certainly impressive. Â The multiple factors that went into the rating such as the quality of facilities, student ratings of fellow students, weather, etc. helped paint an attractive picture of us.”
