U.S. News and World Reports named the University of Northern Iowa No. 2 on the “Best Regional Public Universities” in the Midwest list for 2015. This is the second consecutive year UNI has held this position. 

This list is compiled by U.S News & World Report’s Education Rankings and Advice. 

UNI was also ranked #18 on a list of all public and private universities, according to a message sent from UNI president’s office. 

“Being recognized as one of the best universities in the Midwest is a result of the work our students, faculty and staff undertake together,” said UNI President Bill Ruud. 

 According to the U.S. News and World Report’s website, the criteria for the rankings are broken into small subcategories.

 The subcategories contain undergrad academic reputation (22.5 percent), retention rates (22.5 percent), faculty resources (20 percent), student selectivity (12.5 percent), financial resources (10 percent), graduation rate performance (7.5 percent) and alumni giving rate (5 percent). 

“The indicators include input measures that reflect a school’s student body, its faculty and its financial resources, along with outcome measures that signal how well the institution does its job of educating students,” said the U.S. News & World Report website.

These indicators are used to create an even playing field for all universities in the country. 

Indicators are divided into categories and further subcategories. 

UNI is included in the regional list for all Midwest universities.

This list also includes  the “Top Public Schools of the Midwest”, where UNI continues to hold the No. 2 slot. 

UNI was also one of only two public universities to make the regional list of all universities in the Midwest. 

“UNI will continue to be the most affordable university in the state, with a quality education that’s accessible and affordable,” Ruud said.