Westminster honored as a 2023-2024 College of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, has recognized Westminster College for the 2023-2024 academic year for its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes.

In addition, Westminster College has been named a Pennsylvania College of Distinction and was cited for excellence in its business, education and nursing programs.

Colleges of Distinction’s selection process comprises a sequence of in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes. As a College of Distinction, Westminster has shown excellence in each of these areas, providing students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives.

Colleges of Distinction advocates for schools whose undergraduate experiences are grounded in a philosophy of well-rounded, individualized engagement, and noted Westminster as an institution that has excelled at having students graduate and enter the workforce with solid, well-developed critical thinking skills as well as the ability to adapt in an ever-changing society.

“We believe that engaged students are successful students,” said Colleges of Distinction Chief Operating Officer Tyson Schritter. “And Westminster College’s dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education.”

To be named a College of Distinction, Westminster demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning, and community involvement. This evaluation process differs from those of popular college rankings publications, whose formulas grade institutions based on things like faculty salaries, endowment size, and peer opinion.

“We don’t rank our schools,” said Schritter. “Every student has individual needs and flourishes in a specific environment. We prefer to focus on the innovative ways that colleges all around the country are providing an enriching undergraduate experience.” Westminster’s inclusion as a College of Distinction is a testament to the way it caters to its own students’ potential and goals, helping them achieve success in unique ways that cannot be ranked against others.

“We are deeply inspired by how Westminster immerses students in their academic pursuits, fostering a welcoming community that provides unwavering support throughout their college years and beyond,” Schritter added.

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools with a dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.

More Stories