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For the fifth straight year, U.S. News and World Report has named Kentucky State University one of the best baccalaureate universities in the South, and for the second year, KSU was ranked as one of the top historically black colleges or universities in the nation.

U.S. News and World Report released its 2009 higher learning rankings today on its Web site, www.usnews.com, and its America's Best Colleges guidebook will hit newsstands Tuesday, Aug. 26. The lists online and in print include the newly created HBCU rankings, honors by region as well as a number of other categories.

"Kentucky State University is distinguishing itself as an educational leader in its programs and in its region," said President Mary Evans Sias. "While we will never be satisfied – there is always room for improvement – we are pleased that people and publications throughout the nation have recognized that this university is headed in the right direction and is producing top quality students."

KSU was the fastest growing public university in the Commonwealth for the past two years, and its applications continue to climb. However, the university still accepts basically the same number of freshmen, about 700, which means it is able to select more qualified, dedicated students. To help some students acclimate to college life and learn valuable study and social skills, KSU implemented the Summer Academic Bridge Program, which allows them to stay on campus throughout the summer and take three classes. This gives students a jumpstart on their college career. The program has been extremely successful and should increase retention and graduation rates.

The U.S. News and World Report ranking comes just weeks after KSU was ranked by Princeton Review as one of the best in the Southeast.