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<p>COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University has climbed in the annual list of America’s Best Colleges, released by U.S. News & World Report.</p>
<p>The publication’s 2011 report, released Tuesday, ranks OSU 17th among the nation’s public universities and the best in Ohio.</p>
<p>“Ohio State is making solid progress in rising through the ranks of top-tier universities,” university President E. Gordon Gee said.</p>
<p>Among all 280 national institutions rated, both public and private, Ohio State ranked 55th overall, up from 56th last year. Among public institutions, OSU improved from 18th last year.</p>
<p>Ohio State has five regional campuses, including one in Mansfield. Many students who attend regional campuses transfer to the university’s main campus in Columbus to complete their degrees.</p>
<p>U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on undergraduate academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni contributions.</p>
<p>This year, Ohio State’s overall improved ranking reflects increases in undergraduate academics and graduation rate.</p>
<p>In addition to the overall institutional rankings, the magazine also annually ranks undergraduate programs in business and engineering. Among both private and public universities, Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business was rated 14th in the nation, and sixth among public universities.</p>
<p>Among Ph.D.-granting private and public universities, Ohio State’s College of Engineering is rated 27th overall and tied for 16th among public institutions in the category.</p>
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