July 29, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is ranked No. 3 in the nation for diverse student population, according to The Princeton Review's 2010 edition of its annual book, "The Best 371 Colleges."

The Princeton Review, an educational services company, asked 122,000 students to rate their colleges and universities on dozens of topics. The Review reports the top 20 colleges in 62 categories.

UAB ranked No. 3 in the Lots of Race/Class Interaction Category, which rates campus social and ethnic diversity and interaction between students of various backgrounds. UAB is the only university in Alabama to score in this category.

The Review summed up the students' comments, saying that "With diverse academic and extracurricular opportunities, UAB is a school that fits most every type of person. As a result, the student body is truly a great American melting pot of different cultures, religions and races."

"Students work together for the common goals of getting an education and understanding and appreciating the diversity of others," one student said.

UAB President Carol Garrison said diversity is one of the institution's core values. "These student comments affirm our commitment to ensuring that our university is one where any student can come and feel comfortable," Garrison said.

UAB also ranked No. 11 nationally for having the "Happiest Students," a list in the Quality of Life category. In addition, UAB ranked at No. 14 in the "Best Athletic Facilities" category.

UAB students also commented on how "integrating culture, education, and 'real world' experience into a college degree" is encouraged, and that, "No matter what you want to do, the faculty and administration will see to it that you get the experience you want and need. Nothing is too big or off-limits; you can do it all here."

"Each of our 371 'best' colleges offers great academics," says Robert Franek, author of the book and vice president and publisher of The Princeton Review. "However, we don't rank schools academically because our goal is to help students find and get into the best school for them. Instead, we tally 62 ranking lists based on how students at these schools rated their campus experiences, plus ratings based on institutional data we collect on issues important to applicants. It's all about the fit."

About UAB

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, UAB is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center. Click here to learn more about applying to UAB.