Scranton Among the 50 Fittest Colleges in America

The University of Scranton is ranked No. 44 in a listing of the “50 Fittest Colleges in America,” published by the Active Times Aug. 26.

The University of Scranton is among the “best of the best” colleges in the nation when it comes to being fit, according to a ranking of the “50 Fittest Colleges in America,” by the Active Times.

Scranton, which ranked No. 44, and Boston College were the only two Jesuit colleges listed. Scranton was one of just four Pennsylvania colleges ranked in the listing that published online Aug. 26.

The ranking, now in its third year, seeks to examine not only which colleges offer the best athletic activities and facilities, but which colleges have the most students that actually use these services. The ranking also examines campus dining, the “happiness” of students and the overall quality of campus life. Sources used to assess this information include U.S. News and World Report, the Princeton Review and Niche Colleges, among others. According to Active Times, most weight is given to factors indicating “quality of student life, student happiness and participation in recreational activities (both varsity and club or intramural).”

The University has 18 varsity Division III athletic teams and 14 club sport teams ranging from the traditional sports, such as basketball, baseball and soccer, to equestrian, fencing and crew. In addition, more than 3,000 students annually participate in recreational sports and intramurals, which include leagues, tournaments and weekend special events. The University currently runs 22 leagues covering 14 sports, which include flag football, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee.

In addition to the Long Center and the Byron Recreation Complex, Scranton has a 14,000 square foot fitness center in Pilarz Hall that opened in 2012. The center contains 48 pieces of cardio equipment, 26 pieces of Cybex selectorized weight machines, free weights, and a multi-use CrossFit station. The center is open 110 hours a week and is free for all full-time students, faculty and staff.

The University’s dining services, provided by ARAMARK, offer students numerous healthy dining options through the Fresh Food Company, a unique operation that that prepares student meals on an individual basis. The University offers nutritional education for food and menu items to students through the Healthy for Life board in the Fresh Food Company, a web page called Campus Dish, and a phone app that students can download.

In addition to the “50 Fittest Colleges in America,” The Princeton Review ranked The University of Scranton among the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 8), “Best Campus Food” (No. 11), “Best College Dorms” (No. 16) and “Students Love These Colleges” (No. 19). For 21 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scranton among the 10 top Master’s Universities in the North. U.S. News has also ranked the University among America’s “up and coming” schools to watch, identifying Scranton among the nation’s universities making “the most promising and innovative changes in area of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities.”