Undergraduate School of Engineering Jumps Two Notches to 15th

Troy, N.Y. — U.S. News & World Report once again places Rensselaer among the nation’s top 50 universities and rates the undergraduate engineering program at 15th in the nation, a jump from 17th last year. Rensselaer also ranks 34th as a “great school at a great price,” up from 42nd last year.

The rankings appear in the magazine’s Sept. 23 issue and in “America’s Best Colleges,” the publication’s best-selling guide for prospective students and their parents. Both publications will appear on newsstands Sept. 16.

“Rensselaer students are enjoying an exciting and forward-thinking atmosphere on campus and in the classroom,” said William “Bud” Baeslack, dean of engineering. “In the past year the School of Engineering alone has hired 22 new tenured or tenure-track junior and senior faculty, an amazing statement of confidence in Rensselaer when other universities are facing cutbacks.”

Overall, Rensselaer has hired 41 new faculty members this year. In addition, E. Fred Schubert, a leader in solid-state lighting, was appointed head of the Future Chips Constellation, one of the key research areas under the Rensselaer Plan.

Rensselaer has launched new construction projects totaling $255 million, which includes construction now under way on the new Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies. In addition, a new Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center will be built in 2004.

Recently, a new fitness center was built, a new “wired” residence hall was completed, and the Student Union underwent complete renovation. Also, $35 million in residence hall renovations were completed.

Rensselaer has also initiated a new graduate tuition and student support policy and has increased the geographic, intellectual, gender, and cultural diversity of the incoming class.