National study ranks Colorado Christian in top 2% of colleges

Colorado Christian University (CCU) learned today its College of Undergraduate Studies has been ranked in the top two percent of colleges nationwide by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA).

The ACTA’s fourth edition of What Will They Learn? study shows that colleges and universities are to blame for failing to prepare graduates for success after graduation. But some schools like Colorado Christian University are making sure students learn what they need to know.

“We are extremely honored to receive this prestigious recognition,” said William L. Armstrong, president of Colorado Christian University. “Our belief is that we’re on the right path. If you keep putting the right ideals—education with a purpose, respect for mankind, belief in our constitution and our historical Christian faith—before students, they will learn to make the right decisions to become productive citizens and leaders of the future.”

CCU, and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs were the only two Colorado universities ranked in the top two percent for offering subjects crucial to a solid core education.

The What Will They Learn? project was directed by Dr. Michael Poliakoff, ACTA’s vice president of policy. He’s a former vice president for academic affairs and research at the University of Colorado.

“Colorado Christian University walks the walk of academic excellence,” Poliakoff said. “Many schools talk about the importance of the liberal arts. CCU has acted on its commitment to produce graduates educated for the challenges of career and community through new, more rigorous core requirements.”

Less than two percent of American colleges and universities have earned an “A” rating in the What Will They Learn? survey, and CCU is now one of them, joining such institutions as the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Georgia, Baylor University, Thomas Aquinas College and Pepperdine University.”

The study graded 1,070 institutions with an “A” through “F” on the strength of each school’s general education curriculum. Colleges were evaluated on how many of seven crucial subjects outside the major they required of all graduates. The subjects were: composition, U.S. government or history, economics, literature, math, science and foreign language. “A” schools required 6-7 courses; “B” schools required 4-5; “C” schools required 3; “D” schools required 2; and “F” schools required 0-1 courses.

The complete list of 21 colleges ranked with an “A” and more about the study can be found at www.WhatWillTheyLearn.com.

According to the study, 61 percent of colleges only offered four or fewer of the critical courses; 62 percent required math; 38 percent required literature; and only 18 percent required American history or government.

Officials at Colorado Christian University also announced today that the university set a new record for enrollment and growth.

“CCU not only is honored to receive this national recognition from ACTA, but we also celebrate our exceptional enrollment progress,” CCU Vice President of Student Life Jim McCormick said. “For the 2012-2013 school year we set an all time record enrollment of 1,041. That, when added to our adult program enrollment of 3,714 students, we are at a all-time university enrollment of 4,764 students. This represents a 34 percent growth from 2010. This increase has been strategic and reflects the commitment to our mission which is to provide an excellent education to a student body serious about their faith. When you challenge students to achieve excellence and give them the support they need, even our high academic standards will be a magnet for top flight students.”