Illinois State University has improved its U-S News and World Report ranking by one place.
The school is the 78th best public university this year.
ISU Strengths include a high number of classes with fewer than 20 students, an increase in the graduation rate, student retention, and student selectivity.
The 73% graduation rate is far above the national average of 60% for public Universities monitored by the U-S Education Department.
A third of ISU classes have fewer than 20 students.
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz said this year's U.S. News and World Report ranking is a reminder "ISU is a leader in public education."