By Neil Doyle
NORMAL – Two reports rank Illinois State University as a top public institution and one of the best values in the Midwest.
According to the U.S. News & World Report rankings, ISU is 98th among public universities across the United States. The school was ranked 66th out of all national universities, and 15th in the “Best Bang for the Buck in the Midwest” category, according to Washington Monthly.
“Though we place more importance on people than statistics, our continued appearance on these rankings is another reminder of how we bring our values to life and within reach of students’ pocketbooks,” said ISU President Larry Dietz in a news release.
ISU also ranked high in other subcategories, with 37 percent of classes at fewer than 20 students, and the university’s graduation rate is above the national average.
U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on factors such as peer assessment scores from college and university presidents, provosts, and deans of admissions. Washington Monthly factors in an institution’s contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research, and promoting public service.
Neil Doyle can be reached at neil.doyle@cumulus.com
