From Deseret News archives:
BYU remains most sober university in the country
For the 11th straight year, the Princeton Review's unscientific survey of 120,000 college students found BYU students chugging more milk and less beer and hard liquor than their peers on other campuses.
The Princeton Review's latest book, "Best 368 Colleges" also ranked BYU first for most religious students and for the number of future members of the Rotarians and Daughters of the American Revolution, a category that reflects the conservative, religious bent of the student body and the popularity of student government on campus.
The University of Florida in Gainesville is the top party school this year and Stanford University is No. 1 for best classroom experience, according to the book, which goes on sale Tuesday.
BYU ranked in the top 20 of 14 categories, placing sixth for best college library. The school was 16th on the lists for happiest students and best quality of life.
University spokesman Michael Smart greeted the news with a cheer.
"We continue to be proud to defend our title as the nation's most Stone-Cold Sober university," Smart said. "It's become a source of pride and a fun item for students who choose BYU for the unique environment they want to enjoy.
"We maintain that the top 20 rankings for happiest students and best quality of life go hand in hand with being considered Stone-Cold Sober."
The University of Utah maintained its own run near the top of the Princeton Review rankings for least accessible professors, finishing third this year. U. students also ranked 20th on the list of most religious.
Westminster College in Salt Lake City ranked 18th for best quality of life.
The Princeton Review, based in New York, publishes other books rating colleges and provides test preparation courses. It isn't affiliated with Princeton University.
E-mail: twalch@desnews.com
