UWA named No. 1 college for rural America in national ranking

The University of West Alabama (UWA) has been named the No. 1 college for rural America in a national ranking by Washington Monthly.

A press release from UWA stated that the Best Colleges for Rural America ranking by Washington Monthly reviewed 225 four-year colleges and universities in the country based on student access and affordability, graduate earnings, student debt, service to in-state students, graduate retention, and production of degrees in fields where there are workforce shortages in rural areas.

UWA was also noted for earnings performance and the percentage of graduates earning degrees in fields "in high demand" in rural areas.

“This recognition validates something we know to be true about UWA: our location in rural West Alabama does not limit our impact—it helps define our purpose,” said UWA President Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “At UWA, we understand the communities we serve, and we are intentional about creating opportunities that help our students succeed while strengthening the places they call home. To see UWA at the top of a national ranking built around measurable outcomes is an extraordinary affirmation of the work our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners are doing every day.”

Washington Monthly credited UWA with having 65% of UWA students graduating in fields considered "high demand" in rural areas. These include education, health professions, agriculture, natural resources, engineering, public administration, and social services.

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The publication stated that UWA's alumni earn median incomes of $64,122—$26,561 four years after graduation. UWA was also noted for operation with fewer resources than other universities.

“Since I came to UWA, I have said that the data shows that we do more with less,” Fritch said. “UWA receives less state funding per FTE than any other public university in Alabama, yet our people continue to produce results that compare exceptionally well on both the state and national levels."

"This ranking is not based on perception or reputation. It is grounded in outcomes, and those outcomes demonstrate the tremendous value UWA delivers to our students, our state, and rural America.”

See Washington Monthly's article here.