Following a summer in which the school failed to make several college distinction lists, Point Park University has finally earned itself a national award.

Point Park University was named Thursday as one of the Colleges of Distinction for the 2016-17 school year.

“This honor validates our commitment to providing students with a personalized support system that allows them to flourish,” Point Park President Paul Hennigan said in a press release. “The University offers numerous real-world learning opportunities that prepare students for success from the moment their careers begin.”

The Colleges of Distinction award is given out to universities which satisfy the four criteria set forth by Colleges of Distinction, an annual publication. The publication is intended to serve as a guidebook to students looking to apply to colleges and universities across the United States. Colleges of Distinction boasts a circulation to over 40,000 guidance counselors on their website.

The four criteria that Colleges of Distinction evaluate include engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community and successful outcomes.

“High student engagement in college is one of the keys to a successful undergraduate education,” Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction, told the university. “With an increasing emphasis on hands-on learning techniques, Colleges of Distinction applauds Point Park for practicing methodologies that prepare students for their futures.”

Point Park University is one of 33 colleges in Pennsylvania to win the award. La Roche College is the only other school in the greater Pittsburgh area to receive the award.

The national recognition comes at the end of a school season where Point Park was left out on multiple respected collegiate recognition lists.

Point Park University was not among the top 660 schools named by Forbes magazine’s “America’s Top Colleges List.” There were 41 Pennsylvania colleges listed in the report, with Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa. taking the top spot.

Point Park University also received a “C” grade from Forbes in their Financial Grades report. The report assesses the “fiscal soundness” of colleges and universities by balancing three categories – balance sheet strength, operational soundness and other higher education specific health indicators.

Lauren Pope’s “Colleges That Change Lives,” a publication similar to “Colleges of Distinction,” also left Point Park University off of its list. Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. and Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. were the only Pennsylvania schools featured on Pope’s list.