The University of Connecticut has retained its position in the U.S. News & World Report annual collegiate rankings as No. 19 among the nation’s best public universities.

For the second year in a row, UConn has secured the spot by itself, equaling its highest-ever placement in the influential ranking. In 2013, UConn was named the No. 19 public university by itself for the first time ever. In many cases, the rankings include a number of colleges tied for the same spot.

“There is no single ranking that fully captures the quality of any university, but we are glad that UConn has maintained its highest-ever placement on the U.S. News list for two consecutive years,” UConn President Susan Herbst said. “This is a recognition that everyone in Connecticut can be proud of, and we will continue to work each day on student success, research excellence, and broad public service.”

UConn was one of 173 national public universities ranked as part of this year’s U.S. News & World Report survey, for which the results were released Tuesday.

Since 2000, when UConn was ranked No. 38 in the annual poll, the University has risen in the standings, thanks in part to factors like the academic strength of its freshman classes, the reduction of class sizes, the retention and graduation rates of its undergraduate students, and its reputation among peer institutions.

That reputation is likely to increase as a host of major projects help solidify UConn’s reputation as an elite national research institution. Two months ago, ground was broken on the first Next Generation Connecticut projects, which ultimately will revolutionize the entire University, expanding enrollment by roughly 6,580 undergraduates and vastly expanding UConn’s capabilities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

Along with Next Gen, other initiatives either already under way or in the early stages include Bioscience Connecticut, the UConn Tech Park, and a major hiring initiative that has already recruited nearly 300 tenure-track faculty members from some of the nation’s top universities.

“Since taking office, my administration has made unprecedented investments to grow and modernize our flagship university – the results of which we’re only beginning to see,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. “These investments are critical for attracting the most talented students and training a future workforce that will help Connecticut compete on a global level. Maintaining its highest-ever U.S. News & World Report ranking is a sign of UConn’s ability to sustain innovation and long-term economic growth for years to come.”

While the U.S. News ranking is certainly good news for UConn, University officials say there are a variety of other factors that go into creating a first-rate institution of higher education.

These include ensuring affordability and career-relevant educational offerings for students; prioritizing research and innovation; fostering statewide economic development; and promoting environmentally conscious academics and practices, along with other elements.

A full list of this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, together with specifics about UConn’s ranking, can be found at: www.usnews.com/colleges.