DU is one of the top 100 universities in the nation, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report’s annual college rankings. DU placed 82nd this year, making a four-spot improvement since last year’s placement as the 86th best.

“While no ranking is a full measure of what we do here at the University of Denver, it is gratifying to see others recognize our work and to reward those successes,” senior public affairs specialist Chase Squires said. “We are pleased to see DU’s steady move up in rankings, but rather than taking pride in a ranking number, we’re proud of the work behind that number: the daily efforts of the people that make up the University of Denver community.”

In this report, universities’ rankings are determined by a combination of objective and subjective measures.

The objective rating, which represents 77.5 percent of the overall score, can include up to 16 quantitative indicators of academic quality. The subjective rating, which represents the remaining 22.5 percent, includes input from university administrators and high school guidance counselors.

Though DU’s overall score increased in a few different categories, Squires said that the improvement is sometimes hard to attach to any particular changes at the university.

“We just strive to be the best university we can be every day,” he said. “It’s not always clear what causes rankings to go up or down in their report.”

DU did rank particularly high in three categories, however: freshmen retention rate (87 percent), full-time faculty (76 percent) and percentage of classes with under 20 students (60 percent).

“Students who choose DU certainly must value the individual attention, the small class sizes and the tailored programs we offer,” Squires said. “Ultimately, the real measure of our work is the success and achievements of our students and alumni, driven by our commitment to the public good.”

Though DU is pleased with the increased ranking, the school still looks to keep improving its quality into the future.

“DU is committed to graduating students who are immersed in scholarship, engaged in the community and grounded in ethics,” Provost Gregg Kvistad said. “The academic strength of the university continues to grow and we are pleased to be recognized for our focus on excellence.”

Squires is also optimistic about DU’s future.

“If we as a university continue to improve, I have no doubt any ranking worth its salt will reflect our work,” he said. “Students, faculty, staff and alumni make universities great, not rankings.”