If this were a gridiron clash later this fall, supporters of the University of Alabama and Auburn University would be none to happy with a tie.But in rankings just released, Auburn and Alabama are tied for 39th in the Top 50 universities across the country, and supporters of both schools ought to be cheering. After all, it puts both schools in an enviable position in higher education.
Presidents of both schools were proud of the ranking that puts the state’s top two universities in an elite class with the top universities in the nation.
They cite the ranking as a means to attract the best and brightest to their campuses, and they note that it reflects a solid academic reputation.
Auburn President Ed Richardson says the ranking calls attention to his university’s “rising academic reputation and programs.” Alabama President Robert Witt sees it as an indicator of his school’s “commitment to excellence.”
The ranking will be featured in Newsweek magazine’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue, which goes on sale Monday, and it is based on graduation and retention rates, class size, faculty and financial resources as well as alumni giving.
Those who bleed crimson and white or orange and blue have plenty to boast about now that has nothing to do with football.
As for the tie? We suspect they would be happy about that, too.
