The U.S News & World Report ranked Ashland University in the top 200 national universities in their 2013 rankings. This is the second consecutive year in which AU has been recognized in these rankings.

“I am extremely proud,” President Dr. Fred Finks said. “This is significant in that we are only one of three private universities in Ohio to receive this distinction.”

AU came in at 189 on the list. The only other private institutions in Ohio that were ranked in the top 200 were Case Western Reserve University and the University of Dayton.

“This recognition is based on the quality of faculty and the academic programs of Ashland University which makes this of particular significance,” Finks said.

This ranking is a reflection of where AU places in the seven categories scored by the U.S News & World Report: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving and high school counselor undergraduate academic reputation ratings.

Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Scott Van Loo said,

“Ashland University continues to invest in providing an excellent educational experience for our students while striving to continuously improve in areas that matter.

“It appears that this ranking is the result of our commitment to be a leading private comprehensive university,” he said.

Five public universities in Ohio also ranked in the top 200: Ohio State University, Miami University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati and Bowling Green State University.