LA JOLLA, CA – UC San Diego placed high in another set of college rankings Monday, this one an annual list of schools that serve the public good that's put out by the publication Washington Monthly.

The rankings recognize universities that produce research, train the next generation of scientists and PhDs, and instill their graduates with the spirit of public service. UCSD was the second-highest public university, lauded for having over one-third of students come from first-generation and low-income families.

"It is an honor to once again be recognized as an exceptional university for demonstrating multiple pillars of academic excellence," said UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla. "From our research in climate science and the human microbiome, to our commitment to public service and social mobility, UC San Diego's academics center on tackling the pressing challenges of our time to benefit humankind." Stanford, Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Texas A&M and Georgetown comprised the top five. Other high ranking schools were UC Davis, 9th; UC Berkeley, 14th; UCLA, 15th; Fresno State, 17th and UC Irvine, 20th.

The publication also puts out regional Best Bang for the Buck rankings, which lists schools that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. In the west, the University of Washington-Tacoma was first, followed by Cal State Stanislaus. UCSD was 24th and Cal State San Marcos 50th.

By City News Service