Colleges of Distinction Badges

Colleges of Distinction was created in 2000 to help students and their parents navigate the overwhelming process of selecting the right school. The organization aims to help parents and students find not just the “best” college, but the right one.

In a higher ed climate where organizations such as U.S. News and World Report command attention for their college rankings, the College of Distinction champions a different method of recognizing institutions. Driven to highlight the “richest college experiences possible,” CoD employs quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate schools based on four key areas: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes.

Good question! In contrast to U.S. News and World Report, Colleges of Distinction goes beyond publicly available information and statistics like acceptance rates and reputation. CoD’s methodology is anchored in practices tied to high student success and engagement, sustained employment in an unstable job market, and lifelong learning for students from different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. CoD staff members conduct campus visits and in-depth interviews with college executives, program directors, faculty, students, and others about how they deliver world-class student experiences. From these measures, colleges are chosen for recognition.

At first, it may seem trivial. Who cares what a Texas-based organization says about our university? However, the truth is that Colleges of Distinction is established and respected in the higher ed world. More importantly, it is trusted by prospective students and families.

It comes down to third-party validation. Here at Eastern, we try to tell EWU’s story convincingly and creatively. But sometimes prospective students want a perspective that goes beyond an institution’s marketing strategy. In a crowded market, one where it might seem like all colleges are saying the same thing, an outside opinion is a key differentiator.

Think of it this way: Many Cheney restaurants can claim they have the best French fries in town. However, if an EWU student truly wants to eat the best fries Cheney has to offer, they will most likely not select a restaurant based solely on a claim shared by its competitors. Instead, they will read Google Reviews or seek the opinion of influencers. When these third-party assessments are favorable, chances are greater that the hungry EWU student will visit that business and order a basket of fries.

You can download the badges above. Share them on your email signature, web page, social media posts, and marketing materials.

Visit the Colleges of Distinction website to learn more about the organization. Reach out to Jackie Coomes, vice president for academic affairs, with questions regarding EWU’s involvement with Colleges of Distinction. Contact Brent Reser, EWU marketing director, with questions about utilizing the badges and other marketing assets.