Princeton Review: Monmouth University Makes Top List Of Colleges

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - Monmouth University was noted by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the country for outstanding academics and came highly recommended.

Robert Franek, editor-in-chief of the publications, said in a release that the 384 "best" colleges were primarily based on their "outstanding academics" and that the authors "highly recommend each one."

But Franek noted that stellar academics aren't the only things students — and parents — look for in a college. The review also noted non-academic rankings from each school's enrolled students. Some were not always flattering.

"We created our 62 ranking lists to help narrow that search," he said. "They are based entirely on data we gather beyond academics that give insight into what the schools' enrolled students say about their professors, administrators, school services, campus culture, and student life. In the end, it's all about the fit."

Although the company did not rank the top 384 colleges — the list is in alphabetical order — it did rank them for numerous category lists, including best college theater, best science lab facilities, best party schools, most beautiful campus and even something as silly as "nobody plays intramural sports."

Monmouth came in at number 4 with the dubious distinction that "students don't study enough."

Other New Jersey colleges found themselves with other less flattering student rankings. Rider University finished tops in America on the list entitled: "Is That A Dorm?" The College of New Jersey finished second in the nation on the list entitled: "Financial Aid Not So Great."

The tutoring, test prep, and college admission services company surveyed 138,000 students at the schools and asked them to rate the institutions on dozens of topics.

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