The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, has topped the list of the most promising American Colleges by US News.
UMBC focuses on innovative teaching, leading-edge research, and supportive community to empower and inspire students . Alumni students are also allowed to re-enroll into undergraduate programs. The college is also known for the nationally recognized Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which supports the success of diverse students in STEM fields.
In the past five years, applications have increased 50 percent and the college is on track to enroll a record 14,000 students.
One such venture is Betamore, co-founded by a 1996 UMBC graduate in English. The business incubator in Federal Hill allows entrepreneurs to share everything from a beer-stocked fridge to an internet connection.
"We love the space, and we love Federal Hill," said Greg Cangialosi in a statement '. "The density of its 'live, work, play' environment - and its potential to become a serious tech hub in Baltimore - is what we really love about it." More achievements of UMBC can be read here.
The officials said that such places are required to enhance or explore their work or ideas.
The 2015 ranking includes colleges that have made promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty and student life.
The Arizona State University in Tempe follows Maryland on the list. ASU is considered to be at the forefront of student entrepreneurship, community partnerships and student support services. The school also strives to continuously offer new degrees in emerging fields.
The W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU was ranked in the country's top 30 for undergraduate business schools for the ninth time in 10 years.
"ASU puts huge emphasis on entrepreneurial endeavors. They even go as far as to fund current students and their ideas. The university is committed to keeping up with the changing times and tries to be as innovative as the students attending it," an ASU student said, Business Week reports.
The University of Central Florida has been ranked No. 3 on the list. The University has made notable research contributions to optics, modeling and simulation, digital media, engineering and computer science, business administration, education, hospitality management, and the arts.
Top 10 Promising American Colleges
1 - University of Maryland-Baltimore County
2 - Arizona State University-Tempe
3 - University of Central Florida
4 - Northeastern University
5 - University of Southern California
6 - Georgia State University
7 - Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
8 - Clemson University
8 - Portland State University 1
10 - Biola University
10 - Drexel University
10 - George Mason University
10 - Tulane University
