University of Michigan lauded for packed stadium, good libraries and a great hometown
Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct a reference to Big Ten schools named to the top party schools list.
If you've been to a Saturday football game against Ohio State or Notre Dame, it's probably not hard to believe that University of Michigan is credited with having one of the most student-packed stadiums in the nation.
The Review's annual rankings rate everything from the level of partying to the level of religiosity at colleges throughout the nation. Many of the rankings are published online and in a book and are widely considered by prospective students looking for the right fit for them, either socially or academically.
Under the category "students pack stadiums," U-M was ranked ninth, behind rivals University of Notre Dame, which ranked first, and the University of Iowa.
The Review named Ann Arbor as the 10th best college town in the country.
The school's student newspaper, the Michigan Daily, was ranked 16th, behind the newspapers of Penn State University, the University of Wisconsin and the University of Maryland, among others.
U-M's libraries were named 19th-best, behind Wisconsin and Virginia's flagship university.
Interestingly, four Big Ten schools were named among the nation's top party schools, including the No. 2 ranked University of Iowa and No. 4 ranked University of Illinois. U-M was not ranked.
U-M was included in the Review's list of 377 best colleges and named one of the best value colleges and best schools in the Midwest.
Michigan State University also was named as one of the best schools in the Midwest. It was ranked No. 19 in the nation for having the "least accessible professors," according to the review.
Learn about the Review's methodology here.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Rudra N Rebbapragada
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
Where is that home town connection? I am glad to read about the recognition accorded to the City of Ann Arbor for being a college town. At AnnArbor. com and in The Ann Arbor News, I frequently read about the events taking place at University of Michigan apart from packed stadium on game days. However, I regret to note that we have not yet developed a forum for exchange of ideas and views with the student community of Ann Arbor. The School's news paper, Michigan Daily may be invited to participate at this discussion forum and respond to views/ideas shared by Ann Arbor residents about news events that pertain to the University of Michigan. The University claims that 'Knowledge is Power' and the residents of Ann Arbor may like an opportunity to taste it now and then.
pooh bear
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
Geoff, You forgot to mention the nationally acclaimed Historic Preservation Program at Eastern which has placed hundreds of its graduates in jobs throughout the country and has won many awards.
Geoff Larcom
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Yes, this is a terrific program. Its many distinctive features include various restoration efforts around the state, including at the Deyoung Farm in Leelanau County. http://www.leelanaunews.com/news/OldArchive/Diversions/DeYoung_Farm_becomes_magnet_for_preservationists.html
Geoff Larcom
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
Note: To round out this story on area colleges, it's worth noting that Eastern Michigan University was again ranked by the Princeton Review this year as a top midwestern university. The profile of EMU on the Princeton Review site quotes students as noting: "all the different science disciplines from biology to zoology, the nursing program, a social work program that 'advocates for social and economic justice and is a great place to learn,' and a popular business program (claiming one in five undergrads) whose 'administration is very tech savvy and knows that the business world is a changing place; to help us, they have required classes which cover almost every business aspect from accounting to communication, management, and computer-oriented classes.' "The curriculum is designed to serve 'real people learning through discussion and interaction' and taking advantage of 'opportunities for education beyond the classroom, whether it's through involvement in a student organization, attending diversity programming or volunteering. There is always an opportunity to make a difference, and it is truly an empowering experience.'" - Geoff Larcom, who served as a sports editor and then columnist and reporter of higher education at The Ann Arbor News, is now executive director of media relations at EMU.
UM Rocks
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
"The Princeron Review recently ranked U-M as having one the nation's most packed collegiate stadiums ....." Do we have THE most packed stadium or ONE of?
Stupid Hick
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Kellie, do you know there is a difference between The Ohio State University, in Columbus, and Ohio University, in Athens? One is in the Big Ten, the other is in the top ten of Princeton's party school list. Annarbor.com article: "among the nation's top party schools, including the No. 2 ranked University of Iowa, No. 3 ranked Ohio State University" The Princeton Review: "1. West Virginia University, Morgantown 2. University of Iowa, Iowa City 3. Ohio University, Athens"
LXIX
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
Michigan should rank high in the top ten for being great at one thing and one thing only. All right... two things. And if your willing to fudge your age a little bit, you too can complete the online student questionaire.
Terry Star21
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 10:48 p.m.
Of course, and in addition to having the nations best football program as well. Having a winning record against every team they have played (including 70 % against the snooty spartys) should bode very well across America. Football Saturday's in Ann Arbor is like nothing the rest of America has ever experienced, nor will ever. Best town, best stadium, best coaches, best team and oh yes - the best college football faithful, 24/7. Salute.
Eep
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
I'm as big a Michigan fan as anyone, but we don't have a winning record against every team we've played. Our record is 0% against Toledo, Arizona State, Brigham Young, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Wesleyan, and App. State.
a2miguy
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 9:39 p.m.
University of Ohio is not in the Big Ten.
Julie Baker
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
Indeed. We've corrected that.
smokeblwr
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 9:35 p.m.
Meh, our students have started showing up late if at all the last 10 years. I think apathy has set in with regards to our undergrads view #MichiganFootball
Terry Star21
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
And they well better come alive. David Brandon is tinkering with eliminating some of the student seats, and opening them to public seating - because of that very fact. There was a time a few years back that the season ticket 'wating list' was 13,000 + strong (not sure what that # is now).
xmo
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
Michigan State University also was named as one of the best schools in the Midwest. It BEAT MICHIGAN Four Years in a row in Football! Probably it will be Five!
StopCrying
Tue, Aug 21, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Yet they are still in the shadow of UofM. Does that say anything to you in regards to how inferior of a school it is?
nickcarraweigh
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
I'll take a wild guess and say the Princeton Review did not, in fact, criticize MSU for "least assessable professors," since I believe all professors under Michigan law are assessed at half their true market values.
Julie Baker
Mon, Aug 20, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Thanks, that's fixed.