2014 USNews rankings

[Big D]

The 2014 USNews rankings are out...pretty good year for UIC - this may be our highest ranking ever! Like last year, I've compared UIC to Depaul, Loyola, and UWM.

U.S. News Ranking (RNP = rank not published)

UIC: #128 (up from #147 in 2013; up from #150 in 2012; up from #143 in 2011)
Depaul: #121 (up from #134 in 2013; down from #132 in 2012)
Loyola: #101 (up from #106 in 2013; up from #119 in 2012)
UWM: RNP (RNP in 2013; unranked 2012)

Rankings, Scores & Key Indicators

Score: 42 (up from 38 in 2012 and 2013)
High school counselor score (out of 5): 3.7 (unchanged from 2013; improved from 3.4 in 2012)
Average freshman retention rate: 80% (unchanged from 2012 and 2013)
6-year graduation rate: 58% (improved from 54% in 2013; improved from 53% in 2012)
Classes with under 20 students: 34% (improved from 28.7% in 2013; improved from 29.8% in 2012)
Classes with 50 or more students: 18% (improved from 19% in 2012 and 2103)
Student-faculty ratio: 17:1 (improved from 19:1 in 2013; unchanged from 2012)
Fall 2012 acceptance rate: 63.9% (worsened from 62.8% in 2011; worsened from fall 2010 rate of 63%)

U.S. News Rankings details

#63 Top Public Schools (up from #77 in 2013 and #79 in 2012)
#104 High School Counselor Rankings (down from #100 in 2013 and up from #147 in 2012) (Depaul: #104, Loyola: #69, UWM: #127)

#105 Part-time M.B.A. (down big time from #105 in 2013; down from #59 in 2012) (Depaul: #50, Loyola: #43, UWM: #105)
#32 Best Education Schools (up from #38 in 2013; up from #41 in 2012) (Depaul: #141, Loyola: #91, UWM: #65)
#65 Best Engineering Schools (down from #64 in 2013; up from #68 in 2012) (UWM: #126)
-- #47 Biomedical/Bioengineering
-- #60 Chemical
-- #80 Civil (UWM: #97)
-- #58 Computer
-- #67 Electrical/Electronic/Communications (UWM: #122)
-- #35 Industrial/Manufacturing/Systems (UWM: #64)
-- #50 Materials (UWM: #70)
-- #61 Mechanical (UWM: #104)
RNP - Best Medical Schools: Primary Care (#92 in 2012) (Loyola: unranked)
#59 Best Medical Schools: Research (up from #62 in 2013; down from #56 in 2012)(Loyola: unranked)
#71 Biological Sciences (unchanged from 2013) (Loyola: #130, UWM: #144)
#67 Chemistry (unchanged from 2013) (Loyola: RNP, UWM: #107)
#42 Clinical Psychology (unchanged from 2013; up from #50 in 2012) (Depaul: #94, Loyola: #60, UWM: #70)
#58 Computer Science (unchanged from 2013) (Depaul: RNP, UWM: #110)
#19 Criminology (unchanged from 2013)
#69 Earth Sciences (unchanged from 2013)
#64 Economics (up from #65 in 2013) (UWM: RNP)
#44 English (down from #41 in 2013) (Loyola: #91, UWM: #52)
#45 Fine Arts (unchanged from 2013; down from #37 in 2012) (UWM: #62)
#42 History (down from #36 in 2013) (Loyola: #104)
#36 Math (unchanged from 2013) (UWM: #104)
#11 Nursing (unchanged from 2013) (Depaul: #127, Loyola: #50, UWM: #36)
-- #6 Clinical Nurse Specialist: Community / Public Health (unchanged from 2013)
-- #16 Nurse Practitioner: Family (unchanged from 2013)
-- #15 Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric (unchanged from 2013)
-- #7 Nursing Service Administration (unchanged from 2013)
#5 Nursing-Midwifery (unchanged from 2013)
#4 Occupational Therapy (unchanged from 2013) (UWM: #28)
#14 Pharmacy (unchanged from 2013; down from #9 in 2012)
#16 Physical Therapy (unchanged from 2013; down from #15 in 2012) (UWM: #63)
#70 Physics (unchanged from 2013) (UWM: #102)
#68 Political Science (down from #62 in 2013) (Loyola: RNP, UWM: #61)
#60 Psychology (unchanged from 2013) (Depaul: #141, Loyola: #117, UWM: #101)
#37 Public Affairs (unchanged from 2013; up from #41 in 2012) (Depaul: #104, UWM: #59)
-- #9 City Management & Urban Policy (unchanged from 2013; down from #8 in 2012)
-- #26 Public Finance & Budgeting (unchanged from 2013; up from #27 in 2012)
#16 Public Health (unchanged from 2013)
#24 Social Work (unchanged from 2013; down from #22 in 2012) (Depaul: #79, Loyola: #44, UWM: #52)
#39 Sociology (up from #41 in 2013) (Loyola: #78)
#18 Best Online Bachelor's Programs (Loyola: #64, Depaul: #58; UWM: #123)

From the above categories, 25 of them can be used to compare UIC to all other schools in each respective category. UIC finished first among the four schools an overwhelming 24 times, and trailed only in part-time MBA. In other words, UIC once again dominated these schools in the field rankings.

So why are Loyola and Depaul still above UIC in the national rankings?

- UIC tied with Depaul with a 3.7 counselor score out of 5. Loyola received a 3.9. Overall, not a huge factor though.

- UIC's freshman retention rate of 80% is 6% below both Loyola and Depaul, which are at 86%.

- UIC's 6-year grad rate is 58% while Depaul's is 68% and Loyola's is 70%.

- Classes w/ fewer than 20 students? UIC - 34%, Loyola - 39.3%, and Depaul - 40.7%.

- Classes w/ more than 50 students? UIC - 18%, Loyola - 7%, Depaul - 1%.

- Student-faculty ratios were not that far off. Loyola has 3 fewer students per faculty member than us. Depaul, just 1.

- Fall 2012 acceptance rate. Ours was 63.9%, Depaul's was about the same at 62.3%, and Loyola lee in anyone that applied at 81.2%.

Retention and grade rate account for 30% of the score. There is room for us to improve there, and I believe we could ultimately pass both Loyola and Depaul if we improve. That is our best chance of moving up right now because we'll likely never be able to compete with privates in class size. Also, the dreaded alumni giving rate of 5%. I imagine we do awful with that. If everyone just gave $1 each year, we'd improve here. The methodology doesn't seem to take into account how much is donated, just how many living alumni gave.

All in all though, a good showing by UIC this year. Don't like seeing category rankings drop, but an overall increase is nice...we're gaining on Depaul.

However, let's now consider the USNews Top 400 world rankings, which are based on QS rankings.

- UIC is at #180 in the world!
- University of Chicago is #8
- Northwestern is #27
- UIUC is #56
- Loyola not in the top 400, but is #551-600 in the QS rankings, which, again, are the basis for the USNews Top 400 (note that this huge drop in ranking is what happens when you start de-emphasizing graduation/retention rates and financial resources, SAT/ACT scores, etc. which is what the QS rankings do because they're too hard to compare internationally).
- Depaul is not even ranked in the top 400, and doesn't even register in the QS rankings.

I think there's little doubt we're still tops in the HL in academics, at least according to these rankings. And the numbers speak for themselves...we top Loyola and Depaul in ALL published categories but part time MBA. Our downfall is not graduating students on time or retaining them. Two points to make here: (1) Some of this probably has to do with us still being a commuter school. It's not for everyone and, unfortunately, some don't learn that til they get here. When they leave after 1st or 2nd semester, this hurts retention; and (2) as has been discussed here before, UIC has suffered zero grade inflation since the 60s...the average grade is a C. UIUC? Northwestern? Rampant grade inflation. Our refusal to pass everyone and just give out As and Bs and collect tuition again probably hurts retention and grad rates. Anyone that's gone to UIC knows you have to work for your grades.

Go UIC! Go Flames!

Be proud of your school!

[uicc79]

Big D: Thanks for breaking it down, must have taken some time on your part to do the research.

[axaguy]

This needs to be publicized more.... We are getting older and more established and recognized in the academic community worldwide. We are a GREAT university and, unfortunately, many people nearby still don't recognize that. Perception and reality are quite often different and still seems to be the case in many instances, locally.

I wouldn't sweat the retention and graduation rates, really. We have a very diverse study body and our mission is to continue in that vein. Many of our students still represent first generation college attendees in their families as opposed to the older, private schools of De Paul and Loyola. Many of our students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds than the other two, as well.

Though more affordable as a university, I think many of our students face economic and career decisions earlier and more frequently than some of those at the other places. Hence the retention and graduation rates. Though more costly I think students stay longer at the others because they recognize the value of completion, period, or have significant tuition help outside financial aid channels (ie parents, family, legacy support).

Acceptance is affected by the number of applicants....... More applicants/lower acceptance rate....no reflection on the school's part....really. A popular school may be a great institution and get tons of applicants for a few spots.....And we are to serve our mission to the state of Illinois, not necessarily compete for "top" rankings alone.

[Big D]

Just wanted to add that there are 83 U.S. universities in the World Top 400 rankings. UIC is #50 of those 83, which means, despite being ranked by USNews as the 128th best university in the States, we're much more prestigious when ranked on the international scale. This is no doubt due, in part, to our research output.

[axaguy]

Glad to see UIC rated highly in the World Top 400 but very suspect of the criteria used there. Hard to believe that less than a quarter of the world list are US universities. If anything, we, the US, offer GREAT educational opportunities to the world. Our freedoms of choice, freedom of speech and freedom from oppressions allow for the best teaching and mind expansion to go on without fear. I know that's a "home bias" but it's true. That's why the world's students want to come here in droves.......
Just a thought..

[insideuic]

Always enjoy reading this post - thanks for doing the research, BigD!

Just a small point of interest -- the "acceptance rate" rose slightly this year, but as a result of a stronger applicant pool, rather than a decline in applications. The fact is, many of those "denied" applications are just incomplete applications, and UIC's switch to the Common App helped students have a much higher completion rate (and thus the admission rate went up).

Your point on the dollar donation is valid--there are some schools that actually do this at graduation (as tacky as that is). Here's the link to help out on that one:

giving.uic.edu/connectwithyourcollegeunit/

I'm always a fan of capital improvements, and the Circle Reading Room for the Library is seeking donations. (Special Campus-Wide Project).

Also, if you haven't been to campus in a while and want to see what's going on, come by on October 5th: www.admissions.uic.edu/openhouse2013

[insideuic]

Also, the campus is focused on improving the retention and graduation rate. The chancellor committed $1MM / year permanent funding to address better advising and launched a year long evaluation of our current programs that has a resulted in our first undergraduate success plan: Read the plan and send us comments at: tigger.uic.edu/htbin/codewrap/bin/depts/oaa/studentsuccess/cgi-bin/index.php

The goal is 65% in the next five years.

[uicc79]

Has anybody had a chance to view and assess the "2013-14 State of the Campus" addresses from the Chancellor? What are some other peoples' opinion on what she has to say?

[CircleAlum]

Sept 26, 2013 15:40:46 GMT -6 uicc79 said:

Has anybody had a chance to view and assess the "2013-14 State of the Campus" addresses from the Chancellor? What are some other peoples' opinion on what she has to say?

She can talk till she's blue in the face. She has imposed regulations at UIC that blatantly discriminate against white and asian people.

Paula is a professional racist, so whatever she does is going to be tainted by here neo-Nazi ideology.

She is a clown. Do not take her seriously.

[axaguy]

Sept 26, 2013 22:43:33 GMT -6 CircleAlum said:

Sept 26, 2013 15:40:46 GMT -6 uicc79 said:

Has anybody had a chance to view and assess the "2013-14 State of the Campus" addresses from the Chancellor? What are some other peoples' opinion on what she has to say?

She can talk till she's blue in the face. She has imposed regulations at UIC that blatantly discriminate against white and asian people.

Paula is a professional racist, so whatever she does is going to be tainted by here neo-Nazi ideology.

She is a clown. Do not take her seriously.

Please elaborate. Accusations are worthless without example or explanation...................

[uicc79]

Exactly, Axaguy. It's why I brought the issue up. The e-mail announcing the 2013-14 address also included the 2012-13 addresses. If you read the comments below the 2012-13 addresses, there is a lot of criticism, particularly by a commentator that that appears to identify themselves as a UIC professor. I find that very discouraging. You don't have to be a rah-rah person for the campus, but I find the negativity deplorable. One of the things that past President Ikenberry commented on in his review of the merger that created UIC was the low self-esteem exhibited by people associated with the campus, either alumni, faculty, or others. Whether you agree with the Chancellor's assessment or not, at least she is making an effort to promote the campus. That looks to be more than some people are willing to do.

[CircleAlum]

Sept 27, 2013 7:59:35 GMT -6 axaguy said:

Sept 26, 2013 22:43:33 GMT -6 CircleAlum said:

She can talk till she's blue in the face. She has imposed regulations at UIC that blatantly discriminate against white and asian people.

Paula is a professional racist, so whatever she does is going to be tainted by here neo-Nazi ideology.

She is a clown. Do not take her seriously.

Please elaborate. Accusations are worthless without example or explanation...................

How does anyone assume leadership of ne of the most diverse universities in the us, if not the world, and declare it is not diverse enough?

How can anyone with a brain and a pair of eyes walk into the leadership of one of the most diverse universities in the us, if not the world, and declare the need of an office of diversity because it is not diverse enough?

This woman obviously has major racial problems, and while I pity her for the impaired judgement her racism creates, I also can't ignore the fact that the prism through which she views the world limits her ability to observe the obvious.

Why, for example, do upwardly mobile African-Americans, overwhelmingly look down on UIC and consider it a place where only ghetto brats (I'm not going to mince words, this IS the perception in the black community) go to school? Are her "diversity" comittees addressing this?

No. They are not. They, like her, are living in the 1960's, and its all about sticking it to white people.

Which gets back to my charge of overt racial discrimiation in the health science schools in the West Campus. If you want evidence I can cite the example of my own daughter who was denied admission despite having graduated phi beta kappa and having recorded ONE B in four years at UIC (the rest A's, of course). She is white, which guarantees that she or anyone resembling her will be treated one way at UIC. If you are black or hispanic, the rules are completely different.

Anyone who thinks that my daughter was not discriminated against is full of crap. She is getting A's at the school she was accepted at.

Paula Meares has imposed "diversity" standards that make it virtually impossible for anyone not black or hispanic to get into the west campus. And what motivated my tirade was her patting herself on the back for doing it.

A few back, my daughter would have gotten in easily. But because the chancellor is black, and has SECIFICALLY told those schools to stop admitting so many whites and asians. So she couldn't get in.

[axaguy]

WOW, you say a lot more here and this topic should probably have it's own thread.... I have a few questions. Is race and/or ethnicity asked for on any applications to UIC ? I thought both privacy and diversity restrictions precluded that? Maybe things have changed but am asking.

Do you know what the % of white students is currently at the west campus? It may or may not bolster your admission claim.

I feel bad for your daughter but understand that grades alone are not the sole determination on admittance to a school. Other factors weigh in as well. Timing even being one of them. You are certainly disappointed but I would hope that disappointment is not the only fuel for the "diversity" rant you raise vs. PAM.

Maybe a related story might help. A friend of mine was a counselor in a suburban public high school. One year the senior class' number one student was enraged that he hadn't done enough to get him accepted at Harvard. Big disappointment..... But it was explained that though he was number one here, he was among about 4,000 number ones applying for admission to Harvard for about 800 slots....... and may have been lacking somewhere else in his portfolio. Some kids, and parents, have trouble accepting the fact that they didn't get their "first choice" and aren't number one in every one else's world. Just sayin'.

Hey, I am an alumni, white and would be very conscious of discrimination of any sort. Especially if that behavior results in declining status and recognition of the university. I don't want my degree cheapened by substandard admission or graduation standards today. This university as well as all those in the University of Illinois system have a mission that is unique to that school and differs from the others. That's academic life.

Saying that upwardly mobile African-Americans look down on UIC is quite a statement. I think a place for "ghetto brats" is a bit strong and how do you certify the "perception" in a community of which you aren't a member? And if it IS a perception it is a marketing issue for the school to address for sure.

In closing, I personally know a couple of deans at this school and haven't heard them utter even a suggestion of the sort you raise here. Are all things perfect? No, certainly not, but I would think I would have heard a "can you believe this" comment from them before.....

Please add more substance to your claims going forward. I'd be interested if there is some justification and proof beyond hollow claims.

[CircleAlum]

"I feel bad for your daughter but understand that grades alone are not the sole determination on admittance to a school. Other factors weigh in as well. Timing even being one of them. You are certainly disappointed but I would hope that disappointment is not the only fuel for the "diversity" rant you raise vs. PAM."

The point I am making is that the counselors at the school she applied for told her that her grades and test scores were well within their track record of acceptance.

Unfortunately, the goal posts were moved, and unless you are stupid enough to believe that UIC's West Campus' rankings have moved into the stratosphere in the period 2006-20012 you can not conclude anything but the REALITY of the situation, which is, their method of ranking white and Asian applicants has changed dramatically over that time.

I personally would have sued the school for discrimination. To me its obvious, but my daughter is not a 1960's generation fight injustice type, and did not want to have to testify in court. Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that UIC is sued for discrimination - because they deserve it.

As far as my daughter, she's doing fine. She's getting straight A's, just like she did at UIC, at a school that does not have racial quotas - unlike, like UIC.

The school she is at actually treats people fairly based on the work they have done in college.

What I find hilarious is that UIC keeps asking me for money. As if I am stupid enough to donate money to a school that not only discriminates against my children - but pats themselves on the back for doing it.

There is no way I will EVER give UIC another dime of my money, nor will my kids, nor will there kids. Nobody in my family will sanction UIC's racism, period.

In that sense, I am grateful to Paula for letting me know that white people don't matter at UIC,. I might have mistakenly concluded otherwise.

A blessing in disguise?