The first-year experience for undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University is among the top 20 in the country, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report. It’s one of a number of improved rankings for the university, which now is positioned at No. 51 in the U.S.—a two-spot increase over last year.

“I am pleased to see recognition of the incredible opportunities we provide first-year students, such as the Roger E. Susi First-Year Undergraduate Engineering Experience and the extensive clinical hours for nursing students, which often double what other schools require,” said President Eric W. Kaler. “While rankings certainly don’t reflect all of the exceptional work happening in our classrooms and labs, we do appreciate their importance in raising awareness of our university.”

The No. 20 first-year experience ranking marked a 31-spot leap for Case Western Reserve. While other rankings were a mix of major jumps, slight increases or some decline, the university still garnered a range of impressive rankings:

• No. 9: Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs (up one)
• No. 18: biomedical engineering (up one)
• No. 23: undergraduate research/creative projects (down two)
• No. 40: undergraduate business program (up seven)
• No. 43: undergraduate engineering programs (down six)
• No. 63: most innovative school (down five)

CWRU’s overall rank at No. 51 is a spot tied with Texas A&M University and Virginia Tech. Five schools tied for the position directly above (No. 46), while four tied for the rank below (No. 54).

This year’s U.S. News rankings followed a similar methodology to last year, which had brought a dramatic shakeup to the list. Last year’s methodology changes affected 22 of the 24 factors measured, with the goal of placing greater emphasis on student outcomes, the magazine said. Those adjustments led to public universities’ rankings rising by an average of nearly eight positions, while private universities fell, on average, by 16. This year, the methodology was mostly unchanged, leading to relatively stable placements.

To view the full list, visit usnews.com/best-colleges.