Auburn University's College of Education saw its standings improve in the recently released U.S.News & World Report "Best Graduate Schools" rankings. The College of Education was ranked No. 70 this year among the 240 graduate schools of education surveyed by U.S. News.  Graduate programs in the College of Education improved from a ranking of No. 82 in 2005.

Education Dean Frances Kochan attributed the college's stronger graduate program showing to its faculty and staff and the graduates they produce.

"This year's rankings speak directly to our college's increasing strengths and reputation in teaching, research and outreach-not to mention the efforts of our faculty and staff," Kochan said. "Our strengths help us recruit quality students and secure support for our faculty's many outreach and research endeavors. When they leave us, our graduates represent our college well as the competent, committed and reflective professionals we strive to help all our students become."

Ranked in the top third of schools evaluated by U.S. News, the College of Education, was also the only Alabama school of education ranked in the publication's list of top 76 schools.

The significant factors of this ranking include the increase in mean Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, percentage of doctorial students enrolled and doctorial degrees granted.  They also include a 47 percent increase—$1.5 million—in research expenditures over last year, as well as increases in the average research spending per faculty member.  Assessments by peer deans and school superintendents also factor in on the rankings.

For more information about the U.S. News rankings visit www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/edu/eduindex_brief.php.