The University of Wisconsin–Madison tied for 10th among public institutions in rankings released today (Sept. 12) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 edition of “Best Colleges.”

Last year, UW–Madison also placed 10th but improved this year in its ranking among 281 national doctoral universities, tying for 41st compared to 42nd last year.

“Once again, we’re pleased to see that UW–Madison is being recognized among the nation’s top universities,” says Provost Paul M. DeLuca Jr. “These rankings are an important part of what helps students and their families make the decision about which college to attend. We know we have a world-class institution that offers undergraduates a quality education and experience. These rankings reflect that.”

Recognition was given to the university’s undergraduate experience, with peers nominating institutions with strong programs in certain academic service areas. UW–Madison was among the most mentioned institutions for its first-year experience, learning communities and undergraduate research/creative projects sections.

UW-Madison’s academic reputation, which takes into account perceptions from peers and high school counselors, ranked 26th overall and sixth among public institutions, compared to 30th and seventh, respectively, last year.

“We know we have a world-class institution that offers undergraduates a quality education and experience. These rankings reflect that.” Provost Paul M. DeLuca Jr.

The methodology used to produce the 2013 rankings is the same used since 2011, using high school counselors’ ratings in the university’s academic reputation score and placing greater weight on graduation rate performance. Other criteria used included peer assessment, student selectivity, faculty resources, financial resources, graduation and retention rates, and alumni giving.

The report also evaluated undergraduate engineering and business programs. Once again, the engineering program tied for 13th overall and seventh among public doctoral-granting institutions. Among engineering programs recognized by peers as being one of the best in the specialties, the chemical engineering program was ranked third overall and second among public institutions. Engineering programs were judged on nominations from deans and senior faculty.

The undergraduate business program was tied for 17th overall and tied for seventh among public doctoral-granting institutions. The insurance/risk management program tied for second overall and tied for first among public universities, while the real estate program was ranked second overall and first among public universities. The business school rankings are based solely on the judgments of business deans and senior faculty.