KU ranks 61st among public schools in 2019 U.S. News rankings

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas ranks 61st among public universities in the 2019 edition of the “Best Colleges” rankings, which U.S. News & World Report released Monday.

Last year, KU had increased its standing in the rankings to 53rd among public schools, so this year’s rank reflects a drop of eight spots.

“We know that rankings are often a useful tool for students and families, and we certainly want to perform well in these annual reports,” said Chancellor Douglas A. Girod. “At the same time, rankings are one of many ways we measure our success. We will continue to focus our efforts to improve the student experience, serve the state of Kansas and bolster our research enterprise, knowing it can take time before our efforts are reflected in these rankings.”

This year, the magazine announced changes in how it calculated its overall rankings, removing some items like colleges’ acceptance rates and reducing the weight of other factors, including standardized tests and high school class standing. It also added new elements that seek to measure social mobility, including graduation rates for Pell Grant recipients.

KU is continuing to work to improve in a number of areas, including retention and graduation rates.

“KU faculty and staff continue to move the needle in a positive direction on metrics that contribute to student success and, ultimately, alumni career success,” said Carl Lejuez, interim provost and executive vice chancellor. “Our efforts are ensuring more students advance in their degree programs and that more students graduate in a timely manner.”

KU was tied with five other public schools in the overall rankings.

In other rankings published Monday, KU’s School of Business undergraduate program ranked in a tie for 39th, and the School of Engineering’s undergraduate program ranked in a tie for 48th, both among public schools.

KU also earned a 30th place ranking among public schools on the magazine’s Best Value Schools list.