Early Bird

MSU Denver recognized as innovation leader by U.S. News & World Report

The University ranked fifth across all western-region institutions for innovation and was also recognized for social mobility and overall quality.

By Lindsey Coulter

September 26, 2019

Metropolitan State University of Denver made several appearances on the recently released 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges list. Most notably, the University was ranked fifth in the western region for its commitment to innovation.

A group of academics representing MSU Denver’s peer institutions — including college presidents, provosts and admissions deans — determined the 2019 rankings. Members based their recommendations on innovation improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities. The publication noted that institutions included in the list are “schools that the public should be watching because of the cutting-edge changes the colleges are making on their campuses.”

“MSU Denver is constantly reimagining what’s possible in higher education,” said President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. “And that boundary-pushing spirit doesn’t just apply to programs such as cybersecurity, aerospace sciences or industrial design; it’s infused into everything we do. Our humanities programs are curriculum, research and student-success innovators as well, and I’m proud that these efforts are being recognized.”

Joining MSU Denver in the top five are California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Evergreen State College, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and Mills College. MSU Denver tied with California Baptist University for the fifth spot and was the only Colorado institution ranked.

For the first time, the publication also measured institutions on student social mobility. The new category recognizes institutions that enroll and graduate large proportions of low-income or disadvantaged students who are also Pell Grant recipients. Among fellow regional colleges and universities, MSU Denver ranked 91^st for student social mobility.