UW-Madison remains highly ranked in 2011 U.S. News rankings

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked 13th among public institutions in rankings released today (Tuesday, Aug. 17) in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 Edition of America’s Best Colleges.

UW-Madison also tied for 45th among 262 national doctoral universities. In the 2010 edition, the university ranked ninth among public institutions and tied for 39th among national doctoral universities.

This year, UW–Madison was recognized for residential learning communities, service learning and writing across the curriculum, which adds to past recognition for its undergraduate research opportunities and study abroad programming.

The methodology used to produce the rankings was different than in past years. High school counselors’ ratings were included in the university’s academic reputation score and greater weight was put on graduation rate performance. Despite having high retention and graduation rates at UW–Madison, U.S. News’ changing methodology affected UW–Madison’s ratings in this area and, consequently, its overall rating. Other criteria used included peer assessment, student selectivity, faculty resources, financial resources, graduation and retention rates, and alumni giving.

“While this report has UW–Madison slightly lower in the rankings this year, we are always pleased with our generally excellent scoring. Such information is but one of the many rankings and factors that students and their families consider when making decisions about where to attend college,” says UW–Madison Provost Paul M. DeLuca Jr. “Other rankings consistently show UW–Madison is one of the world’s best public research universities, and we strive to promote and protect our fine reputation.”

The report also ranked undergraduate and engineering programs and business programs, and UW–Madison’s results were consistent with past years’. UW–Madison’s undergraduate engineering program was tied for seventh among public doctoral-granting institutions and tied for 13th among all doctorate-granting institutions. The rankings for the engineering programs are based solely on judgments of deans and senior faculty who are invited to nominate peer institutions. The chemical engineering program was one of the five programs most mentioned by peers.

The undergraduate business program was tied for 14th in overall rankings and tied for seventh among public doctoral-granting institutions. The School of Business’ real estate and insurance/risk management programs were recognized among the five programs most mentioned by peers. The business rankings are also based on judgments of deans and senior faculty.

The 2011 edition of America’s Best Colleges will be on the U.S. News website on Tuesday, Aug. 17.