FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas moved up to 27th among public undergraduate business schools and 43rd among public and private business colleges in the latest survey by U.S. News & World Report.

The “Best Colleges 2016” report ranked Walton College tied for 43rd overall in the annual assessment, up from 45th the previous year and the highest overall ranking since 2011. Among public business schools, Walton College moved up from 29th into a tie for 27th with the University of South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

In the spring of 2015, the magazine surveyed deans and senior faculty at all undergraduate business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Participants were asked to rate the quality of programs with which they were familiar on a scale of 1 (marginal) to 5 (distinguished); 38 percent of those surveyed responded.

Walton College’s peer assessment score – the only measure the magazine uses to rank undergraduate business schools – was 3.3.

“The level of recognition among our peer business schools is due to our outstanding Walton College faculty, staff and students,” said interim Dean Matt Waller. “Walton College’s continued upward momentum shows that our commitment to top-level research, teaching, service and outreach is making an impact in education and the business community.”

Every year since the 2004 report, the Walton College has ranked in the top 30 among public undergraduate business schools and in the top 50 business schools overall.

 

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.