UTM increased its ranking for public universities in the south granting bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the 2006 edition of America’s Best Colleges complied by the U.S. News and World Report magazine.

UTM advanced three spots from last year’s 23rd place ranking to tie for 20th place with University of North Florida in the same category this year.

The report comes after three consecutive years of record enrollment at UTM with a projected fourth coming up this fall. Setting a new record, 6,104 students enrolled for fall classes in 2004, followed by record enrollment for spring and summer semesters in 2005.

In its 2006 rankings UTM improved its scores in peer-assessment and its retention and graduation rates. Other categories used to determine rankings include faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and the alumni giving rate. According to the magazine, the peer-assessment is the most important category.

“The U.S. News rankings are important, and I’m pleased that UTM’s position in the rankings has improved the last two years,” said Dr. Nick Dunagan, UTM chancellor. “Still, my primary concern is improving overall quality in academic programs and services so that our students receive the best education possible. We’re making excellent progress in these areas.”

Dunagan also said improvement in student retention is due in part to the university’s Student Success Center which offers advising support, career services and other initiatives designed to help students succeed.

U.S. News determines the rankings based on information gathered from various sources such as the Council for Aid to Education Information is also gathered from surveys completed by the institutions.