UNI ranks high on U.S. News and World Report listing

The U.S. News and World Report 2013 recently ranked the University of Northern Iowa second in the “best regional Universities (Midwest)" category for public universities for the second year in a row.

UNI was also ranked No. 22 on a combined list of all public and private Midwest regional universities — one of only three public institutions to make the list of top Midwest regional universities.

"I chose University of Northern Iowa because of its excellence (in) academics and its affordability," said Madiha Ahsan, a junior physics major. "This ranking proves just how right I was in making this decision."

The magazine's ranking criteria include peer assessment, academic reputation, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity, graduation-rate performance and alumni giving rate.

"Even though University of Iowa is still my first choice," said Zohha Tariq, a senior at Cedar Falls High, "I would definitely list University of Northern Iowa as one of my backup (options) because of this rating."