STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., Aug. 17, 2007 — For the fourth year in a row, Wagner College ranked among the top 25 schools in its category in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual “America’s Best Colleges” guide. The rankings were released this morning.
    Wagner was ranked Number 22 in the Northern Universities–Masters category. Last year, the college ranked Number 25.
    “We are gratified by this recognition,” Wagner President Richard Guarasci said. “It confirms that our faculty, staff and trustees have chosen the right path for Wagner College and its future.”
    Guarasci was referring to the college’s crucial 1997 decision to initiate a groundbreaking new curriculum called the Wagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts. The Wagner Plan combines the standard liberal arts curriculum with small, interdisciplinary courses, community service, and practical internships in top New York-area companies and organizations.
    A significant part of Wagner’s Top 25 ranking was based on written votes from presidents, provosts and deans at more than 1,400 colleges and universities across the country.
    “They did not pick from a list,” said Angelo Araimo, Wagner vice president for enrollment and planning, “but wrote in the names of up to 10 schools they felt had the strongest programs in each category.”
    In addition to making the Top 25 list, Wagner College was also listed on the U.S. News “Programs To Look For” roster. This portion of the “Best Colleges” ranking focuses on eight key academic program areas “that are commonly linked to student success.”
    Wagner was cited for its “first-year experiences” and “learning communities.” Both programs are key components of the Wagner Plan curriculum.
    Wagner’s program for first-year students has been widely recognized in recent years by a number of professional higher education organizations, including TIAA-CREF, which presented the college with its prestigious Hesburgh Award in 2005.
    Likewise, Wagner College’s learning communities — small groups of students and interdisciplinary faculty studying together — were praised by the Association of American Colleges and Universities in 2004.
    “We are pleased to be in the company of so many other fine schools listed in the U.S. News college rankings,” said Wagner Provost Devorah Lieberman.