IU ranked 75th nationwide

The definition of the word “Hoosier” has long been debated, but that doesn’t stop IU students from wearing their cream and crimson with pride.

According to the 2012 U.S. News and World Report “Best Colleges” guide, IU students have several reasons to be proud of their school.

IU received high reviews for offering “programs that help undergrads thrive,” which include substantial study abroad programs and valuable international interaction on campus, according to an IU release. This was the 10th consecutive year IU was recognized for such experiences.

“IU has been doing this for a while. There has always been a great deal of emphasis on helping our students be successful,” Director of Admissions Mary Ellen Anderson said.

She said the living-learning communities, academic support centers and school career services provide IU students opportunities they can’t get at other universities.

IU ranks 75th among national universities, including both public and private, and 31st among just public schools, trailing several of their Big Ten competitors.

But the Kelley School of Business ranked higher against its competitors, earning second among the best undergraduate business programs in the Big Ten behind the University of Michigan.

It also scored top-five rankings for its entrepreneurship (No. 2) and marketing (No. 5) specialties. Kelley ranked sixth among those at public universities and tied for 12th overall, including both public and private institutions.

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs earned a No. 2 ranking for its graduate school. SPEA also ranked No. 1 for both its environmental policy and management and nonprofit management programs, as well as No. 3 for both its public finance and budgeting and public management administration degrees.

“When a student leaves Indiana University, he or she is prepared for the world, not just for what is going on in the state and not just for what is going on in the U.S., but literally for a world economy and world environment,” Anderson said.

— Katie Mettler