For the seventh consecutive year, Walsh University has been honored as a National College of Distinction. Walsh also retained its status as one of only four colleges in Ohio to be recognized nationally as a 2017-18 Catholic College of Distinction. Walsh joins The University of Dayton, Mount St. Joseph and Xavier University as the only Ohio Catholic colleges recognized by Colleges of Distinction for offering environments that are conducive to spiritual growth while preparing students for the future.
By demonstrating continued dedication to High-Impact Educational Practices, Walsh University was recognized a 2017-18 National College of Distinction for creating a truly unique learning environment where students not only earn college credit and valuable life experience, but also participate in character-building. Review Walsh’s profile or find more information about the schools listed here.
Catholic College of Distinction: According to CollegesofDistinction.com, some of the "secular" advantages of Catholic school include smaller class sizes, a greater focus on students’ individual needs, and faculty and staff who do a great job preparing their students for careers and graduate schools. While founded in Catholic faith, these schools are welcoming to students of all religions and backgrounds as well as those with no current religious affiliation.
Schools are evaluated on quantitative figures, such as graduation and retention rates, and qualitative aspects including first-year experiences, experiential learning opportunities, and core competency measures. Colleges of Distinction features schools devoted to a teaching-centered undergraduate education. Students who attend Catholic Colleges of Distinction obtain an education with a Catholic worldview and learn to implement social justice in their future professions. Community service remains an integral part of Catholicism and Catholic colleges and universities provide valuable volunteer opportunities.
National College of Distinction: Schools must demonstrate results across the Four Distinctions - Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.
The annual process also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success, satisfaction measures and more.
Since 1999, the Colleges of Distinction website and e-guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. The Colleges of Distinction website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and more for students, parents, and high school counselors.