NAU ranks 96th in 'Washington Monthly' ratings

Northern Arizona University has once again made Washington Monthly's annual rankings of what colleges are doing for the country and how they are using tax dollars.

In the magazine's annual College Guide, designed as an alternative to U.S.News & World Report and similar guides, NAU ranks 96 out of 242 institutions that were evaluated.

The Washington Monthly rates individual schools based on their tangible contributions to the public interest.

"We use three criteria that we believe best measure the impact schools have on the country," say the magazine editors. "The first is social mobility: Does the school do a good job recruiting and graduating poorer students? The second is research: Is the school supporting the scientific and humanistic study that is key to our national strength, by producing Ph.D.s and winning research grants? And the third is service: How effectively does the school foster an ethic of giving back to the country, either through military or civilian service?"

The magazine began publishing its rankings in 2005 in response to rankings from U.S.News & World Report, which Washington Monthly argues are "silly, because they don't measure what its editors say they measure: academic excellence."

"Washington Monthly's rankings continue to demonstrate what we've known all along," said NAU President John Haeger. "Northern Arizona University is one of the best colleges in the nation when it comes to serving students, communities and the public.

"Our emphasis on access and accountability—along with our commitment to quality education and applied research—is why we continue to have a strong presence on the Washington Monthly rankings."

In this year's survey, the University of Arizona is ranked 25th while Arizona State University is 113th.

The magazine's complete listings for 2007 is available online.