Valparaiso University’s strong commitment to excellent teaching, outstanding educational value, and innovative efforts in academics and student life continue to make Valpo one of “America’s Best Colleges,” U.S. News & World Report magazine announced in its annual rankings made public Aug. 17.

The University, based in Valparaiso, Indiana, has been identified as one of the nation’s top-ranked, regional universities for the 22nd consecutive year, earning a No. 5 ranking in overall quality among the Midwest’s regional universities.

Valpo also was ranked No. 4 on a list of “Up-and-Coming” regional universities in the Midwest, designating institutions that recently have made the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life and facilities. For the second consecutive year, Valpo was cited for its high quality faculty members who are devoted to teaching undergraduate students and providing personal attention to each student, tying for the No. 6 ranking in the Midwest on the list “A Strong Commitment to Teaching.”

The rankings appear in the current issue of U.S. News & World Report, which goes on sale at newsstands Tuesday, Aug. 24, and in the book “America’s Best Colleges.”

President Mark A. Heckler said the U.S. News rankings, while only one of many indicators of an institution’s success, provide confirmation that Valpo offers an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for lifelong success.

“Students and parents alike recognize that Valpo provides an excellent education that focuses on helping students develop the character, knowledge, integrity and wisdom that is needed in the world,” Heckler said.

“Valpo’s legacy of excellence continues to grow, and we are proud that our commitment to having teachers who devote a tremendous amount of attention to helping each student on his or her educational journey is again recognized by U.S. News,” Heckler said. “The personal nature of a Valpo education, which takes place within a close-knit community, is one of its most distinctive features.”

Among specialty programs, Valpo’s College of Engineering continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s best engineering programs. Based on a survey of engineering deans and faculty members from throughout the country, the College of Engineering tied for 31st in the nation among nearly 180 schools where the highest degree awarded is a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Sharing that ranking with Valpo were Bradley, Loyola Marymount, San Jose State and St. Louis universities, the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Webb Institute.

Institutional rankings are compiled in a variety of categories according to mission and geographical region. Valpo is ranked among Midwestern universities that offer a wide range of liberal arts and professional undergraduate and master’s level programs. The magazine determines quality based on an evaluation of 15 “indicators of academic excellence” and an opinion survey of college and university academic leaders, and then ranks the schools in each of four geographic regions.

Valpo ranked fifth in the quality rankings a year ago and has ranked in the top five in quality every year since 1990.

Valpo ranked No. 4 in the magazine’s “Great Schools, Great Prices” category relating a school’s academic quality to its average cost to attend. The University has been ranked in the top four in value among Midwest institutions in 15 of the 16 years since the ratings were initiated. Valpo also was included on the “A+ Schools for B Students” list, which highlights schools that have first-rate programs and help students thrive in the classroom and in other campus activities.

Data published in the rankings show Valpo ranks especially high in the graduation rate of its students. The University also ranked third in “peer assessment,” which is determined by a survey of university presidents, provosts and deans of admission.