U.S. News: Ohio State climbs in latest rankings - 09/13/11

The Ohio State University has climbed in the latest U.S. News & World Report 2012 edition of America’s Best Colleges released today. The publication ranks Ohio State 17th among the nation’s public universities and the best in Ohio.

In addition, Ohio State is recognized for having several programs that help students succeed, with honorable mentions for First-Year Experience, Learning Communities and Service Learning. The university’s First-Year Experience program helps connect first-year students to the university and the larger community. Learning Communities are residential programs that allow students to take courses as a group and Service Learning programs feature community service as an instructional strategy.

“Ohio State is making solid progress in rising through the ranks of top-tier universities,” said President E. Gordon Gee. “This latest recognition from U.S. News is particularly gratifying because it directly reflects excellence in the preparation of our students, as well as the rates at which they earn their degrees. Clearly, our efforts to create the nation’s most engaging campus experience are reaping rewards for our students.”

Among all 280 national institutions rated, both public and private, Ohio State ranked 55th overall, up from 56th last year. Among public institutions, Ohio State improved to 17th, up from 18th last year.

U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on undergraduate academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance, and alumni contributions.

This year, Ohio State’s overall improved ranking reflects increases in undergraduate academic reputation and graduation rate.

In addition to the overall institutional rankings, the magazine also annually ranks undergraduate programs in business and engineering. Among both private and public universities, Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business was rated 14th in the nation, and seventh among public universities.

Among Ph.D.-granting private and public universities, Ohio State’s College of Engineering is rated 27th overall and tied for 16th among publics in the category.

In July, the magazine named The Ohio State University Medical Center one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for the 19th consecutive year. A total of 11 Ohio State medical programs are recognized in the 2011 rankings, with four programs (cancer, diabetes & endocrinology, rehabilitation, and ear, nose and throat) ranked in the top 20. Additional Ohio State programs included in the rankings are cardiology, gynecology (women’s health), nephrology, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology.

Founded in 1870, The Ohio State University is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 56,000 students enrolled at its main Columbus campus, 14 colleges and 170 majors, the university offers its students exceptional breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions. A national research powerhouse, the university ranks 13th among all universities in research expenditures and a remarkable second place in industry-sponsored research.