Howard Payne University advanced in two categories in the 2016 edition of “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report released Wednesday. HPU jumped two places from 2015 to be ranked second among the regional colleges of the west in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category. Additionally, the university placed 11th out of the ranked institutions in the “Best Regional Colleges of the West” category (up four places from 2015) and eighth among the regional colleges of the west in the “Best Colleges for Veterans” category.

Institutions are ranked in all categories within four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest and West. Universities and colleges in Texas and Oklahoma compete in the West region, which is the largest geographic section, encompassing the entire Western U.S.

According to the publication, U.S. News determines its “Great Schools, Great Prices” category by taking into account an institution’s academic quality based on its “Best Colleges” ranking and the 2014-2015 net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.

“The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal,” the publication stated.

U.S. News determines the “Best Colleges for Veterans” by examining institutions in the 2016 “Best Colleges” rankings which participate in federal initiatives that make pursuing a college degree more affordable for veterans and active service members.

Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president, said he is proud of the work faculty and staff performs to serve the university’s students.

“We’re honored that the ‘Best Colleges’ publication has once again chosen to recognize HPU for the value, academic rigor and educational benefits we provide our students,” he said.

Prospective students and their families may schedule a campus visit at www.hputx.edu/visit or by calling (325) 649-8020.

Pictured above is the university’s distinctive Old Main Tower.