Freed-Hardeman University climbs into U.S. News & World Report’s top five best value schools

Freed-Hardeman University continued to move up in the U.S. News & World Report rankings released Sept. 13. FHU is ranked in the Top Five of the magazine’s Best Value Schools; it is the sole representative of universities supported by members of the churches of Christ to appear in the rankings.
The Best Value ranking specifically considers a school’s academic quality and the 2020-21 cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid. Last year, FHU ranked eighth; this year, it is ranked fourth.
FHU also moved up five spots, from 36 to 31, in the magazine’s rankings of Regional Universities—South. It is the only school affiliated with churches of Christ to appear in the top 100 in the regional ranking. “A mission that focuses on our Lord should strive for excellence. Therefore, we are delighted to be recognized as one of the top five universities for Best Value,” FHU President David R. Shannon said. “We know the amazing faculty and students we see here each day, but it is an added confirmation when outside sources recognize the academic excellence too. However, the most important confirmation is seen in our enrollment growth, which means that our students and their families concur with the U.S. News & World Report’s assessment. To Him be the glory.”
For the third consecutive year, FHU had a record fall enrollment with a total headcount of 2,320, a 6% increase over the previous year. Undergraduate enrollment at FHU jumped 4% for a record 1,797, including the greatest number of first-time freshmen in 11 years.
The full-time equivalent of 1,630 is also a record. The Fall 2021 enrollment also packed residence halls, with 1,206 students living on campus, the most ever.
Each year U.S. News & World Report assesses the nation’s institutions of higher education on 17 measures of academic quality. This year, the magazine considered 1,466 bachelor’s degree-granting institutions. The 2021 edition can be found at www.usnews.com/colleges.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service.
With locations in Henderson, Memphis and Dickson, FHU offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. Additional information about the university may be found at http://www.fhu.edu.