Results of the 2002 U.S. News & World Report survey

Boston College maintained its national ranking of 38 in the latest U.S. News & World Report survey of colleges and universities, released in September. Of the major Catholic schools, only Notre Dame (19th) and Georgetown (23rd) placed higher. BC shared its ranking with Case Western Reserve and Lehigh Universities.

In U.S. News's analysis of undergraduate business programs, the Carroll School of Management jumped four spots to 30th place, continuing a recent CSOM trend. Last year the school's MBA program broke into the top 40, and its evening courses came in 20th nationwide.

The 2002 rankings are based on a number of factors, from percentage of full-time faculty to graduation rates. BC moved up 12 positions, to 87th place, in per capita financial resources--a reflection of recent successes in the Ever to Excel campaign. The University also improved three spots in undergraduate selectivity, to 30th place, and moved from 22nd to 21st in undergraduate retention.

Academic vice president and dean of faculties John D. Neuhauser acknowledged the controversy that surrounds the U.S. News rankings--critics claim they reflect financial measures more than academic assessments--but said that, "if nothing else, they can help in identifying areas of strength. . . as well as areas where more attention is needed."

Tim Heffernan