Based on the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, Ashland University received national recognition by placing on the Top 15 over-performing college list.

To arrive at the initial ranking, AU was first evaluated on metrics such as enrollment, admissions, percent of students who graduate and undergraduate programs. Peer assessments were another factor included in the study. In the peer assessments, other colleges took surveys and ranked AU in terms of its reputation as well as their opinion of the school.

These components resulted in the initial ranking of AU in the Top 200 for the Best Colleges 2013 nationwide earlier this school year.

AU Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Scott Van Loo noted AU’s undergraduate and graduate programs and enrollment also contributed to its appearance on the Top 200 list.

The university received the Top 15 over-performing colleges honor when the peer evaluations and metrics were further reviewed.

In essence, AU is outperforming the peer assessments. The school’s enrollment, programs, admissions and other factors show that AU is achieving high standards more than what is reflected in the results of the peer assessments.

“The metrics outweigh the perception of how we’re being compared by peer rankings. They may not list AU in the Top 15 or 20 but the metrics would place us in that,” Van Loo said.

“The peer evaluations are not following what the data is suggesting we should be ranked.”

Specifically, the university placed 189 in the Best Colleges list and 247 in the peer assessments list. This results in a difference of 58 points and served as one of the most significant point differences compared with other schools nationwide.

Overall, being one of the Top 15 schools in the nation to receive this honor reflects the high standards the university promotes as well as its development through the years.

“Things are moving in a positive direction,” Van Loo said. “As evaluated by the criteria, you’re seeing continual improvement at this institution. We’re committed to success and improving in every way.”