For the third year in a row, U.S. News and World Report in September named Biola to its list of “up and coming” schools — a recognition given to just 19 national universities this year.

Published as part of U.S. News’ “Best Colleges 2013” guidebook, the list spotlights the universities “making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities.” Among the other “up and comers” are such schools as the University of Southern California, Clemson University and Tulane University.

In addition to the “up and coming” list, Biola also earned a spot on U.S. News’ overall list of “Best National Universities,” which consists of 281 institutions that “offer a wide range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral degrees.” Biola and Azusa Pacific were the two schools in the 118-member Council for Christian Colleges & Universities to appear in the first tier of the national list, ranking at No. 174 and No. 179, respectively.

By The Numbers

19 – Promising & Innovative
The number of universities in the United States, including Biola, recognized as “up and coming” national universities by U.S. News. The list spotlights schools making the most “promising and innovative changes.”

42 – Great to Work For
The number of universities in the United States, including Biola, named to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For” Honor Roll, released in August.

10 – Fastest Growing
Biola’s position on the list of the nation’s fastest- growing private research universities from 2000 to 2010, published by The Chronicle of Higher Education in August.

20 – Most Conservative
Biola’s position on Newsweek/The Daily Beast’s list of 25 “Most Conservative Colleges,” published in August. Previously, in both 2011 and 2010, Newsweek recognized Biola as one of “25 Great Schools With Great Weather.”