U.S. News ranks colleges for 2020

College leaders across the country took a deep breath as they opened their email Monday, looking for something to brag about in the new 2020 America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

The much anticipated annual report that covers about 1,900 colleges and universities purports to identify the cream of the crop — which it then slices and dices into more than 50 different rankings, ensuring almost everyone can find something to promote.

Pitt and Penn State, which tied for 57th among the schools classified as national universities, shine just a little brighter when the field is limited to national public research universities. Pitt made it to the 18th spot in that category, tied with Florida State, Penn State and Purdue.

Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher emphasized Pitt‘s jump from 26th last year.

“This year’s ranking positions the University of Pittsburgh as a top-20 public school. It’s a powerful testament to our students, faculty and staff and a clear signal that our trajectory as a world leader in learning, teaching and research is still — undeniably — on the rise,” Gallagher said.

The rankings weigh six main data points, including graduation outcomes (35%), faculty resources (20%), opinion of other experts in higher education (20%), financial resources (10%), academic standing of students who enroll (10%) and alumni giving (5%).

The publisher says high school students can use the report — one of a growing list of reports that rank colleges on varying points — to help narrow their college search.

“From national universities and liberal arts colleges to A-Plus Schools for B Students, find the right one for you,” the introduction to the searchable report boasts.

Carnegie Mellon University, a private research school located several blocks from Pitt’s Oakland campus, ranked 25th on the list of national research universities. Duquesne University came in 132nd on that list, while Robert Morris University in Moon was ranked as 202 on the list of national universities.

Saint Vincent College in Unity ranked 132 among national liberal arts colleges.

Seton Hill University in Greensburg ranked 48th among regional universities in the northern U.S. Among that group, it is ranked 26th best for veterans. And in the category of best value schools, it came in 27th.

Seton Hill President Mary Finger touted those numbers.

“Seton Hill is honored to once again be recognized among the best regional universities in the north by U.S. News & World Report,” said Finger. “The ranking highlights Seton Hill’s commitment to offering high-quality academic programs that prepare students for the global marketplace.“