Kent State dropped 15 spots in U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of American universities that released on Monday.

The university ranked No. 191, compared to No. 176 last year, out of 312 universities. The press release from Kent State didn’t mention Kent State’s placement.

Emily Vincent, the director of university media relations, told KentWired the university focused on placing in the top tier of the rankings and also top-rated in Northeast Ohio. Vincent said the rankings may go up and down each year, but the important thing is the university is still in the top.

Kent State emphasized its rising reputation to attract prospective students to visit campus. Experts have said college rankings often don’t impact a student’s decision to apply at various universities, although they are a good guide.

“This recognition belongs to our outstanding community of students, faculty, alumni and staff who continue to lift Kent State as a center for excellence and a force for progress,” Kent State President Beverly Warren said in the press release.

The number one ranked university in Ohio is Case Western Reserve at No. 42. Kent State also ranked below The Ohio State University (No. 56), Miami University (No. 96), University of Cincinnati (No. 147) and Ohio University (No. 171).

Bowling Green State University, Ashland University, the University of Akron and University of Toledo ranked below Kent State.

The U.S. News and World Report looked at six categories that factored into the rankings, each weighted differently. The categories are outcomes, faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, student excellence and alumni giving.  

Compared to last year, USNWR changed its criteria, which reduced emphasis on expert opinions and test scores and eliminated acceptance rates.

Princeton University is ranked first overall. Harvard University ranked second and four universities tied for third place: Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Chicago and Yale University.

Morgan Hallam is the recruiting and retention reporter. Contact her at [email protected].