The University of Vermont continued its steady rise in the just released U.S. News & World Report rankings, claiming the 39th spot among the nation's top public universities, up from 40th last year and 47th in 2000. There are more than 500 public colleges and universities in the nation.

UVM also rose in the magazine's national universities ranking, from 89th last year to 88th. UVM was ranked 96th in 2001.

Reflecting this steady rise, UVM was 8th among national universities in a list of the magazine's "Top Up-and-Coming Schools," institutions that have "recently made striking improvements or innovations — schools everyone should be watching," the magazine said.

"I am pleased that the first-rate education UVM offers is increasingly recognized every year," said UVM president Daniel Mark Fogel. "UVM has been a stellar institution throughout its 200-plus year history, but it is gratifying to see the clear gains we've made over the past decade are being noticed."