UVa holds pat in U.S. News rankings

The University of Virginia has held its spot at No. 23 in the just-released U.S. News & World Report annual college rankings.

For the fifth year in a row, UVa finished second in the public college rankings, trailing only the University of California-Berkeley. In the 12 years that U.S. News has ranked public universities, UVa has always occupied the first or second spot.

“I think it’s one of those things, you never manage the university to the rankings,” UVa spokeswoman Carol Wood said.

“You do what’s right” by focusing on academics and the students, she added. “And if you do that, then the rankings will come.”

U.S. News uses such factors as SAT scores, peer reputation, selectivity and alumni giving when formulating its rankings.

While the university doesn’t focus on such rankings, the high marks are still something UVa officials like to see.

“We’re always pleased to be in the top of these rankings,” Wood said.

The rankings edition of U.S. News hits newsstands Monday, but the list was published on the magazine’s Web site today.

Harvard University reclaimed the top spot after 12 years. Princeton dropped to second, ending an eight-year reign of at least tying for the top spot. Yale was third.

Two other Virginia colleges made the rankings.

The College of William & Mary ranked 32nd overall and sixth among public colleges; Virginia Tech ranked 71st and 30th.

UVa slipped among the top colleges in financial resources, falling from 57th last year to 63rd.

That UVa consistently finishes in the top 25, even as it competes with colleges with more financial resources, is a credit to the school, Wood said.

“It shows the stability of the university” in tough economic times, she said.

Wood noted how well the university showed in another financial category — faculty resources, where UVa was ranked 35th.

She added that UVa came in at No. 16 in the Great Schools, Great Prices category, which used to be listed as Best Value.

“We’re always pleased to be a part of that,” Wood said. “It reflects how well managed the university is.”

In a new category, Up and Comers, UVa ranked 33rd for first-year experience.

UVa’s School of Engineering & Applied Science improved its ranking this year, jumping from 35th to 28th, Wood said.

“The thing I always think of, it’s a credit to … our faculty, staff and students,” Wood said of the rankings. “It’s a commitment to excellence that keeps us among the top of the rankings.”