Aug 17, 2007 - Claremont, Calif. - Harvey Mudd College (HMC) was named number one among the nation’s undergraduate engineering programs in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 edition of “America’s Best Colleges,” it was announced today.

In addition to being number one in engineering, HMC was also ranked 15th among the nation's liberal arts colleges. As it did in the 2007 edition of the “America’s Best Colleges” guide, HMC shares its top spot in engineering with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind.

“We’re extraordinarily pleased to have earned this recognition,” said HMC President Maria Klawe. “It is a reflection of our dedication to teaching and research in engineering, science and mathematics with an emphasis on producing outstanding graduates who are well-versed in the humanities and social sciences. It is also a strong signal to our community that we are fulfilling the mission our founders defined a half century ago.

“We hope that students and their parents who are looking at these and other rankings understand they are not a full measure of an institution’s quality. Every college and university in the U.S. offers value; students and parents need to decide which is the best fit for them academically, socially and in the character and mission of the institution. Students who visit our campus learn very quickly whether or not they have the qualities of a ‘Mudder.’”

"The national ranking of our accredited general engineering program is another strong indication of our success, and of our ongoing innovation in education," said Ziyad "Zee" Durón, chair of the Department of Engineering at HMC. "What is especially pleasing is that this ranking comes from the assessment of our peers across the U.S., most of whom come from traditional discipline-specific programs."

In the Best Liberal Arts Colleges category, HMC ranked number one in selectivity, had the highest percentage of freshmen who ranked in the top 10 percent in their high school class (94 percent) and had the highest SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (1420-1550) among its incoming students.

Additionally, HMC was named among all colleges and universities in the U.S. for having “Programs to Look For” in the categories of internships and undergraduate research/creative projects. HMC was also listed among “Great Schools, Great Prices,” for the percentage of need-based financial aid it offers and among liberal arts colleges on the “Economic Diversity” list for its percentage of students who receive Pell Grants.

The rankings – which this year feature some substantial changes in methodology – will be published in the magazine’s Aug. 27 issue, on newsstands Monday, Aug. 20, and is available on-line at www.usnews.com/colleges beginning today.