In its annual university ranking, U.S. News & World Report put the U in eight categories, more than any other Utah school. University officials hope students refer to the rankings when deciding which college to attend.

Some of the U’s highest marks are in health and medicine. The School of Medicine’s community health program ranked third in the nation, and the College of Nursing ranked 27th. The U’s School of Medicine ranked 38th this year among top research schools, compared to its 39th place ranking last year. The U’s School of Medicine also improved this year among top primary-care schools, moving up three spots to number 47.

The U also did well in the sciences, ranking 29th in computer science, tying with Johns Hopkins University and Rutgers. The U’s department of chemistry ranked 37th and the biology came in 60th.

The U’s College of Law placed 45th, thanks in part to its very high percentage of students who pass the bar. At 91 percent, the U ranks first in this category.

“Although we do not believe the U.S. News ranking methodology takes full account of the quality of our program, we are pleased to be recognized among the top tier schools,” said Scott Matheson Jr., dean of the College of Law.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on opinions about program quality and statistical indicators that describe the strength of a school’s faculty, its research, and the performance of students both as they enter and leave. U.S. News surveyed more than 1,000 programs and 9,000 academics and other professionals in the fall of 2001.