Jacksonville College ranked fourth-best two-year college in Texas

BestColleges.com has released its ranking of the 25 best two-year colleges in Texas for 2015, and Jacksonville College ranked fourth in the state. Schools were evaluated based on performance indicators like acceptance, retention, graduation and enrollment rates. Ratings were calculated using the latest information from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator databases. Both sources of information are maintained by the U.S. Department’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

In its ranking, BestColleges.com highlighted academic and financial strengths of Jacksonville College: “Offering terminal associate degrees and transfer programs to four-year schools, Jacksonville was recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as the second most affordable private community college in the nation.” The ranking also noted that Jacksonville College offers student housing, which is unusual for a two-year school.

“I’m not surprised that Jacksonville College is ranked among the top junior colleges in Texas,” said JC President Mike Smith. “We have an excellent academic program, including an honors program, and we now offer online degrees. We make student success our priority, and our low student-to-instructor ratio offers students easy access to caring Christian instructors.”  

With the addition of more online courses to allow students to earn degrees online, Jacksonville College experienced record enrollment this summer. In order to help more area students attend the College, JC created a new Commuter Scholarship, which offers free tuition and fees for qualifying students beginning in Fall 2015.

In addition to a strong academic program, Jacksonville College also offers opportunities to be involved in vocal and instrumental music groups, as well as theater. Theater productions are now being held in the new Mary S. Lewis Theater on the College’s Joe Wright campus.

The JC athletic program offers men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and golf; and athletes will soon be able to take advantage of the new fitness facility on the Joe Wright property.

Jacksonville College is owned and operated by the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas and is affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. For more information about the college, visit www.jacksonville-college.edu.