The University's ranking in the U.S. News report has fluctuated in recent years. The school fell two slots last year from 17 to 19. With other public universities facing similar cuts in state funding with similar tuition and hiring freezes, it has become almost impossible for public institutions to climb into U.S. News' top 10. Ern said increased donations to private institutions has kept those schools in the lead, while allowing the public schools to fall behind. Besides higher tuition revenues, private universities have a greater advantage with obtaining funds and boosting their programs through alumni and private gifts.
Privates always have the opportunity to raise money.
After rising as high as fourth in 1991, the University fell down to 61 in 1994 but has rebounded slightly to 45 this year. The University's fall in the poll is mostly attributable to the huge tuition increases during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The three-year tuition freeze, however, should enable the University to make up some of the ground it has lost in recent years. You may not reproduce the contents of this paper in any shape or form without the express written consent of The Cavalier Daily .