The University of Connecticut is one of the top 20 national public research universities in the nation, according to the annual rankings produced by U.S. News & World Report.

UConn was ranked 27th last year. The University was one of 172 national public institutions – including 118 “tier one” schools – that were part of this year’s survey.

“UConn knows it’s a great university and we’re of course thrilled to be recognized for it; breaking the top 20 is important for us as an institution and puts us in some very good company,” said UConn President Susan Herbst. “There are different schools of thought on the value of college rankings, and institutions can rise and fall for different reasons, but the U.S. News list is important and people do pay attention to it. We have a great reputation, our efforts to ensure our students are staying in school and graduating on time are really paying off, and it’s gratifying to see the University rise so dramatically in the rankings because of it.”

UConn’s graduation rate in 2010 was 81 percent and the University’s freshman retention rate was 93 percent.

UConn was ranked the best public university in New England for the 13th year in a row.

For the full list of public universities ranked, visit: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/top-public.