ORANGE, Calif., April 8, 2005 – Chapman University is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to the prestigious The Princeton Review.

The New York-based company, known for its test-prep courses, books and other education services, selected Chapman University as one of only 11 new entrants in the next edition of its popular “best colleges” guidebook, which will be published in late August 2005.

“Only about 10 percent of the colleges in America are in this book,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review vice president of publishing. “It is our flagship guide to ‘crème of the crop’ institutions for undergraduates.”

To make its selections, The Princeton Review relies on data and opinions it collects from students, parents and educators about academic programs and other offerings. The college ranking lists are based on surveys of more than 110,000 students at the schools in the book who rate their own schools and report on their campus experiences.

“What makes this so gratifying is that our faculty and staff are seeing our shared vision become reality,” said James L. Doti, Chapman president. “Everyone works so hard and is so devoted, and inclusion in The Princeton Review absolutely acknowledges their efforts. It also supports the value of the Chapman brand of education and reaffirms our vision.”

According to Doti, one of the factors that contributed to Chapman’s selection could be the establishment of 42 endowed chairs and professorships, beginning in 1993. Prior to that, Chapman had only one. He also credits the increase in the number of programs that are nationally accredited – there are six, with three more anticipated.

“Endowed positions represent the pinnacle in academe,” Doti said. “They help attract the best faculty, who create the best programs and help draw the best students. That sets in motion a positive chain that continues to make Chapman better and better. And national accreditations set the highest standards for our programs, which makes them among the best.”