Dean College Named a 2024-2025 College of Distinction for Excellence in Hands-On Learning and Student Success

Dean College has once again been recognized as a College of Distinction for its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education. This prestigious honor reflects Dean’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful student outcomes. This is the ninth consecutive year that the College has earned this honor. 

This year, Dean is also one of a limited number of schools selected as an Affordable College of Distinction for its commitment to affordability and return on investment. In addition, Dean received Colleges of Distinction badges for Business (eighth consecutive year) and Career Development (fifth consecutive year).

“The Dean Difference isn’t just one thing, it’s everything. It’s the way our community cares for and commits to each other and how we meet our students where they are, inspire them and tirelessly work to help them achieve unimagined heights,” said Paul Vaccaro, Vice President of Enrollment Services and Marketing for Dean.

“Being recognized by Colleges of Distinction for our quality education, the unrivaled value we provide, and our dedication to career development is an honor, and we commit to continuing to deliver excellence to our students,” Vaccaro added.

Colleges of Distinction award schools for successfully implementing high-impact educational practices and experiential learning. Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, its rigorous selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes. 

As a College of Distinction, Dean has shown excellence in each of these areas, providing its students with a well-rounded, practical education that prepares them for successful careers and lives. This evaluation process differs from popular college ranking publications with formulas that grade institutions based on factors such as faculty salaries, endowment size and peer opinion.

“We’ve never ranked our schools,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “No student is alike, so there can’t be a No. 1 school for everyone. We are much more focused on the innovative ways that colleges are offering their own brands of a truly rich undergraduate education.” 

Schritter continued, "We are so impressed to see how Dean brings to life the traditional undergraduate experience. With a welcoming community, an immersive curriculum, and strong support networks, Dean is undoubtedly nurturing the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.”

Learn more about Colleges of Distinction.