CCU Earns Top Rating Among U.S. Colleges and Universities
Colorado Christian University has been named in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni in its annual What Will They Learn? survey of college general education curricula.
CCU was one of only 23 institutions to earn an "A" rating out of more than 1,100 four-year public and private institutions surveyed, and one of only two in the state of Colorado. It is the seventh consecutive year CCU has received the designation.
"This honor is a continuing validation of the commitment to holistic education in the College of Undergraduate Studies," said Dr. Kyle Usrey, vice president of Academic Affairs. "A foundational core of traditional general education curriculum is the best preparation for students to face the demanding challenges in this 'Age of Disruption' -- where people are seeking guidance from quality driven higher education."
The survey examines curriculum requirements to determine the rigor of general education programs at each institution. What Will They Learn? rates colleges and universities based on core requirements in seven areas of study: composition, economics, foreign language, literature, mathematics, natural science, and U.S. government or history. Institutions requiring at least six of the seven areas of study receive an "A" rating.
"Given the vast career mobility that this generation of students will face, a cafeteria-like curricula at the university and premature specialization will not serve them well. More than ever, today's students need wisdom and a knowledge base that can be applied broadly," said Dr. Donald W. Sweeting, president of Colorado Christian University. "ACTA's ratings help students make choices in higher education that prepare them for this fast-changing market place and to be better citizens, as well."
ACTA President Michael Poliakoff reiterated the importance of a well-rounded education in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive world.
"Today's graduate will confront globalized competition and make high stakes decisions as a citizen," Poliakoff said. "What Will They Learn? signals that every college and university must come together and ensure that all graduates master the core collegiate skills needed to meet these challenges."
Key takeaways from this year's survey include: less than 4 percent of colleges and universities surveyed require a course in economics, less than 12 percent require a college-level foreign language course, and less than 18 percent require a course in U.S. government or history.
Based in Washington, D.C., ACTA is an independent, nonprofit organization committed to academic freedom, excellence, and accountability at America's colleges and universities. 2018 marks the tenth year ACTA has released the What Will They Learn? survey.