Purdue University's programs remain among the best in the nation in U.S.News & World Report's rankings of the top graduate schools released Thursday (April 23).

"The quality of graduate programs impacts and enhances the overall educational quality of a university," said Purdue Provost Randy Woodson. "These rankings reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that a Purdue degree stands for a world-class educational experience that retains its value in the real world. This, in turn, translates into the ability to attract top-notch students who want to share in and be a part of our progress."

The colleges and schools in which programs were ranked include engineering, management, education, liberal arts, science and pharmacy.

Purdue's College of Engineering tied with the University of California, San Diego, for 12th overall in the survey, up from 15th last year. Several of its schools are listed among the best in specialty rankings.

"The improvement in our ranking reflects the successes of our faculty and graduate students both in research and in earning the recognition and respect of their peers," said Leah Jamieson, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering. "The college's new strategic plan is entitled 'Extraordinary People, Global Impact,' and I believe that the rankings are one indication of the impact that our extraordinary people are having."

In engineering specialties, Purdue earned top 25 rankings in:

* Biological/Agricultural, No. 1, tied with Cornell University.

* Aerospace/Aeronautical/Astronautical, No. 4, tied with Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Michigan.

* Civil, No. 7, tied with University of Michigan and Virginia Tech.

* Mechanical, No. 8.

* Electrical/Electronic/Communications, No. 10, tied with University of Texas at Austin.

* Industrial, No. 12.

* Computer, No. 12, tied with University of Southern California and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

* Materials, No. 13, tied with Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pennsylvania.

* Nuclear, No. 13, tied with Ohio State University.

*Chemical, No. 14, tied with Carnegie Mellon University.

* Environmental, No. 17, tied with Rice University, University of Iowa and University of Minnesota.

* Biomedical, No. 22, tied with University of Minnesota, University of Utah and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

U.S.News & World Report's complete rankings in "America's Best Graduate Schools" will be available on newstands Monday (April 27). U.S.News has published graduate school rankings annually since 1987.