(This article was updated on 9/27/16.)

Stetson University ranks fifth on US News & World Report’s 2017 list of Best Regional Universities (South), maintaining their place on last year’s ranking (when they tied for 5^th). There are 132 schools in this category. The new list was released today.

“Stetson provides a personalized learning experience to each student, based on top quality faculty and focused on learning outcomes which are enhanced by leadership and mentoring opportunities,” said Stetson President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D.

US News defines Regional Universities as offering a full range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs but few doctoral programs.

In addition, US News includes Stetson on its lists for (rank): Best Value Schools (6); Best Colleges for Veterans (5); and Best Online Graduate Business Programs — Excluding MBA (29) for its nationally recognized online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program; and Best Online MBA Programs (84). Additionally, US News ranks Stetson University College of Law first for Trial Advocacy and third for Legal Writing, and includes it on the Best Law Schools (103) and Part-time Law (28) lists.

“At Stetson, we take pride in being recognized as an academically rigorous institution that places a high value on global citizenship, personal growth and social responsibility,” said Libby. “While we are interested in national rankings, we always encourage prospective students and their parents to visit Stetson for a broader, well-rounded perspective of all that Stetson has to offer.”

Stetson’s undergraduate enrollment this year is 3,089 compared to 3,084 in 2015. The total number of students, including the College of Law in Gulfport, is 4,357.

By Janie Graziani