The University of Illinois Springfield has been ranked the top public regional university in Illinois and the fourth best public university in the Midwest regional category for a third year in a row by U.S. News & World Report in 2022 Best Colleges rankings released today.

UIS was also the only public university in Illinois ranked as a top 20 best value school in the Midwest regional category. U.S. News looked at academic quality, the number of need-based scholarships awarded and other factors in determining the best value ranking.

“While our students and alumni tell us we are No. 1, for the third year in a row these rankings confirm the high-quality education students receive at UIS,” said UIS Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney. “This prestigious ranking shows our prospective and current students, our alumni and friends that the UIS college experience is outstanding. Our inspiring faculty and staff and hardworking students dedicated to the public good is the UIS difference.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the factors it looked at in determining UIS’ overall ranking include retention and graduation rates, faculty resources (such as class size and faculty salary), academic reputation, financial resources available to students, how well students performed academically in high school, alumni giving and graduate indebtedness.

UIS also appeared on U.S. News and World Report’s “A-plus Schools for B Students” list for the Midwest regional category, due to UIS’ first-year retention rate, acceptance rate and number of students admitted who finish near the top of their high school graduating class or have a high SAT/ACT score.

“UIS is proud to provide a world-class education for students across the Midwest and around the world,” said Vickie Cook, PhD, UIS acting associate provost for enrollment management. “The faculty at the University of Illinois Springfield excel in supporting a student-body of diverse and motivated students through innovative teaching. UIS provides a safe and comfortable environment for students to find leadership in learning opportunities through the classroom, student activities and experiential learning.”

U.S. News also ranked UIS the 12th best college for veterans in the Midwest regional category. Colleges in this category must be certified for the GI Bill and must have enroll a minimum of 20 full-time and part-time undergraduate veterans and undergraduate active service members during the 2020-21 academic year. Institutions must also rank highly in the overall Best Colleges rankings.

“Military-connected students represent a vital and vibrant part of UIS. They bring qualities and experiences that benefit our entire campus community,” said Mark Dochterman, UIS assistant vice chancellor for student engagement and coordinator of UIS Veterans Services. “We support our military-connected students, while simultaneously seeking opportunities to integrate them into the larger student body.”

Since 2006, UIS has been ranked consistently among the top 15 best public regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The full report and additional data can be found at usnews.com/best-colleges.

UIS is one of three universities in the world-class University of Illinois System and provides a uniquely student-centered educational experience both in and out of the classroom through active learning, meaningful research and impactful civic engagement that prepares graduates to contribute fully to society.

For more information on the UIS rankings, contact Derek Schnapp, director of public relations, at 217-206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.