Illinois State University Media Relations
 

Illinois State Improves in U.S. News Criteria Rankings

Date: 8/17/06
Contact: Jay Groves


Illinois State University retained its third tier ranking while improving in several rating categories, according to newly-released data from U.S. News and World Report.

Figures released Thursday show Illinois State made gains in the subcategories of academic reputation, freshman retention rate, six-year graduation rate and the percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students.

Rankings are based on academic quality and excellence. Factors include assessment by administrators at peer institutions, student retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving and graduation rate performance.

"Clearly, the Illinois State success story is penetrating throughout the state as evidenced by the growing numbers of students who make our University their first-choice institution," said President Al Bowman. "While rankings are one measure of Illinois State's success, our true excellence is found in the people who make up our faculty, staff, student body and alumni.