University Named Among Top 20 in Western Region

California Lutheran University has ranked 18th on the 2011 U.S. News & World Report list of top schools in the West offering bachelor and master’s degrees, the Thousand Oaks-based university announced. This is the first year the university has made the list of “A-Plus Schools for B Students,” which places the university among schools where “non-superstars” have a chance to be accepted and of thrive. The university has placed among the top 20 Western Regional Universities for the past 16 years. “The results show that we continue to build on our academic success,” said university President Chris Kimball. “Our emphasis on providing a high quality educational experience has enhanced our reputation among students and the higher education community.” California Lutheran University was recognized in a top tier of institutions in 15 Western states based on high scores in specific categories. The university had higher assessment scores this year, which coincides with improvements in its freshman SAT scores and a decrease in the university’s acceptance rate. Jessica Selva