The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings released last fall place Illinois State in the top 200 schools in the nation. The University, which was ranked 160 under the “Best National Universities” category, advanced in several subcategories.

The overall ranking includes 280 American universities offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Among public universities, Illinois State ranks 85. U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on academic quality and excellence.

The University rose in the area of graduation rates, which jumped from 69 percent in the previous rankings to 71 percent. The report notes 32 percent of classes have 20 students or less enrolled. That compares to 31 percent last year.

“Any rankings system conveys only a small piece of the Illinois State picture,” President Al Bowman said. “As always, we will continue to make progress in areas that are closely connected to our core teaching and learning values.”