Making the grade

San Antonio university near top of class among best schools for the money

St. Mary's is one of the best schools for your money.

A local university is at the head of the class when it comes to bang for your buck. St. Mary's University, a Marist liberal arts school located on the West Side, is the No. 5 best college for your money in the Southwest, according to a recent ranking from College Factual.

The university celebrated the news in an October 30 news release, noting that the honor puts it in the top 15 percent of colleges nationwide.

To determine the rankings, College Factual analyzed over 2,000 colleges and universities to determine which ones are best in a variety of categories, such as overall value, quality, diversity, and which schools are the best for each major.

Overall, St. Mary's earned 28 badges, and its highest-ranked major was business administration and marketing. With an average tuition cost of $26,726 and an average of 4.2 years to graduate, St. Mary's earned the No. 5 spot in the Southwest and third in Texas.

The study also highlighted the school's 12-to-1 faculty to student ratio, better than the national 15-to-1 average.

Ranking first in the Southwest region was St. John's College in Santa Fe, followed by Austin College in Sherman, Texas; Texas Tech University; and Oklahoma City University.

College Factual isn't the only report that's given St. Mary's University high marks. Earlier this month, U.S. News & World Reportranked the school No. 4 in the Best Value Schools — Regional West category. Joining it on that list was nearby Trinity University, which ranked one spot higher, at No. 3.

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CHEERS TO 125 YEARS

Sprawling San Antonio park lights the candles for 125th birthday bash

Photo courtesy of Brackenridge Park Conservancy

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Brackenridge Park is the epitome of aging gracefully. When something looks that good at 125, it’s cause for a huge celebration.On November 16, the Big Brack Bash will celebrate San Antonio’s jewel with food, live music, and family friendly activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Among the highlights of this year’s birthday blowout are a vintage car show, donkey rides, and a set from beloved folk musician Santiago Jimenez, Jr. Presenting sponsor H-E-B will also welcome guests with complimentary snacks and ice cream.

History buffs will also have a chance to participate in the fun. The University of Texas San Antonio Center for Archaeological Research will have a booth showcasing artifacts, and the Office of Historic Preservation is inviting locals to share photos and memories as part of the park’s archive.

The action takes place from noon to 5 pm at 531 Brackenridge Way near the Lambert Beach Softball Field. Most attractions are offered without charge, and food and beverages are available for purchase.

Though the Big Brack honors the 1899 founding of the park, its history spans much further. Archaeological evidence shows the land was used as far back as the Paleo-Indian period 12,000 years ago. Its modern history, however, began when San Antonio Water Works owner George W. Brackenridge donated 199 acres to the city.

Later, donations from Pearl brewer Emma Koehler, Bexar County, and private benefactors expanded its footprint. Today, locals can enjoy nearly 403 acres of recreation space, which includes tourist hubs like the San Antonio Zoo, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Sunken Garden Theater.

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