September 23, 2002

U.S. News & World Report continues to rank the University of Connecticut as the best public university in New England. It ranks UConn number 31 among public universities in the nation.

Each year, U.S. News rates about 1,400 accredited four-year colleges, based on a survey of the school's academic reputation among high-ranking officials of other colleges and on data including retention and graduation rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and alumni giving.

The National Science Foundation estimates that there are 292 public universities in the nation.

In the U.S. News ranking, UConn remains the top-rated public university in New England, ahead of the Universities of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, which are in the top 50, and Rhode Island and Maine, which are not.

The University is tied in the 31st spot with the University of Pittsburgh, Michigan State University, the State University of New York-Binghamton, and the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Last year, UConn was ranked number 28 in a seven-way tie. This year, there are three schools ranked number 28 and none ranked 29 or 30.

"It is wonderful to continue our status as best in New England. And it is nice to be listed among the top public universities nationally," says Chancellor John D. Petersen. "But as pleased as we are with our U.S. News ranking, the real measure of our success is the fact that so many outstanding students are now making UConn their top choice."

Although there is recognition of the subjectivity of college rankings, Dolan Evanovich, associate provost for enrollment management, says the rankings do influence students and their families in choosing a college.

"Sales of the annual rankings issue of U.S. News dwarf those of any other issue of the magazine," Evanovich says.

"Because we know students and parents do consider the] rankings, we are pleased to be ranked first among New England public universities."