Princeton Review Recognizes University for Exceptional Faculty, Diverse Campus

During his time as a Charger, Muntasir Hossain ’23 analyzed and developed a machine learning algorithm to detect coronary heart disease. He also collaborated with several faculty members on exciting research, such as training faculty on integrating the Makerspace into their course content and developing a platform to analyze the opinions of social media users.

These hands-on research opportunities enabled Hossain to publish his work in papers and present at conferences. He also shared what he learned and offered his support to his classmates as a tutor and a Learning Assistant in the Center for Learning Resources. He says he’s grateful for the many rewarding experiences he had – both as a mentor and a mentee.

“The University of New Haven played a significant role in preparing me for success,” said Hossain, who earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science before joining McDonald’s as a software engineer in its corporate office in Chicago. “I have had amazing professors who were always willing to support and mentor me.”

Hossain is among the many students and alumni who cite their professors as having played a significant role in their time as Chargers. That was one of the themes highlighted as the University was featured in The Princeton Review's latest edition of its popular guidebook for prospective college students and their families. Chargers said they were especially grateful for faculty who “have resumes that are incredibly proficient” and who bring their vast experience to the classroom through “real world stories as well as hands-on events and exercises.”

A trusted and well-known educational services company, The Princeton Review included the University in its newest book The Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition. The company does not rank colleges and universities – instead, it profiles them. It recommends the best schools in the country for undergraduates, largely based on “peer” reviews – the feedback of students.

“Our students often talk about how much they love their professors and how much they appreciate all they do for them in and out of the classroom,” said Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., interim president of the University of New Haven. “Our professors are dedicated to their work, and they are so passionate about the success of our students. Being recognized by the Princeton Review among the best colleges and universities in the country would not be possible without their dedication.”

The annual guidebook and college rankings lists are based on The Princeton Review’s surveys of 165,000 college students – more than 400 per school, on average – who rated their schools on dozens of topics. Students provided feedback on topics such as school services, campus amenities, and aspects of college life. This is the eighth consecutive year the University has been featured in the guidebook as one of the top colleges and universities in the country.

“We created our rankings to provide a resource for college applicants that helps them answer what may well be the toughest question in their college search – ‘What’s the best school for me?’” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review and lead author of The Best 389 Colleges. “Our selection of colleges for this book reflects our high opinion of the schools: we recommend each one as academically outstanding. Our ranking lists reflect the opinions of the school’s students – their customers – and their reports to us about their campus experiences.”

Students also praised the University’s campus environment, noting that Chargers are “very welcoming” and “caring and considerate.” They also said there are “people of different race, religion, and all other kinds of backgrounds” at the University, and that “it is easy to find people you fit in with because the campus is so diverse.”

Chargers also noted the variety of opportunities to get involved in the University community, which was important to Sani’yah Brinney ’23. A recent graduate of the political science program, she was an active member of the Charger community, serving as founder and vice president of the Women of Color Collective and as vice president of the Black Student Union. She also served as president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association.

“I always had a passion to help people and society as a whole, which is what every position I held on campus allowed me to do,” said Brinney, who is now pursuing her master’s degree at Georgetown University. “Ultimately, bringing people together for a positive purpose is why I continued to seek out leadership positions throughout my undergraduate career.”

The new guidebook also quoted students who lauded the many experiential learning opportunities offered, noting that “the learning style here feels very hands-on.” One student also said, “I’ve taken a number of labs and field trips in my classes that have really prepared me to use equipment and methods I’ll need in my field.”

For Hossain, the computer science grad, these opportunities have helped him to excel in the classroom, as an intern, and as he begins his career. Last summer, he served as a software engineering intern for McDonald’s at their corporate headquarters, leading to a full-time job opportunity.

“Many of my courses were project-based, which allowed me to apply my knowledge and develop tangible products,” he said. “These projects taught me to be an independent learner and to come up with creative solutions to problems.”