MU came in at No. 97 among national universities in U.S. News & World Report’s recently released 2013 rankings. This year’s ranking was a seven-spot drop from last year’s.

Despite the decline in rank, MU News Bureau Associate Director Christian Basi said the rankings don’t offer a complete description of the university’s activity.

“It’s hard for a single rating to capture all that we do for students, but recent accomplishments are indicating that more students continue to choose MU because of the quality academic experience that the university offers,” he said.

The College of Business’s undergraduate program ranked No. 47 in 2013 rankings of public and private undergraduate business programs, moving up eight spots from 2012.

The College of Business’ improved ranking is the culmination of much collective effort.

“We have invested in our faculty and research to stay competitive, and we have invested in our programs and services to prepare students for the job market,” College of Business Dean Joan T.A. Gabel said.

Students at the College of Business are involved in many programs that prepare them for professional life and improve their employment prospects, like professional development workshops and internships, Gabel said.

“These investments have resulted in a powerful combination of success for us, and our rankings are the recognition of those successes,” she said.

Gabel said the higher ranking was a result of continuous effort, rather than a sudden shift.

“Has any one major change happened over the last year to result in the rise in rankings? Not exactly,” Gabel said. “ Instead, this is the result of continued investment and development built on the solid foundation that has been in place at the Trulaske College of Business for years. It’s a steady rise in recognition as a result of our advancements and we hope that recognition is good news to alumni, current students, potential students and employers.”

Regardless of the rankings, the College of Business still has goals in mind.

“The goal for us is always excellence, regardless of rankings,” Gabel said. “Supporting faculty research and developing new initiatives in response to market demand will keep our students and our college competitive and ensure that continued quality. We need to be responsive and we need to make an impact.”

The College of Education’s graduate program was ranked No. 58 nationally.

Students also have their own opinions about the rankings.

“I am actually unaware about it, but I am wondering why it drops,” freshman Meghan Carnot said. “I don’t think the one paper or the one source is reliable. It depends on their measures, and what they focus on. … (The students) are happy here. The rankings will not really make any differences.”

Sophomore Maris Ayers said she doesn’t think the rankings affect the student body as a whole.

“I don’t think the rankings have any influence on students here,” Ayers said. “Because every year the number of freshmen here gets larger and larger and university has built another dorm for them.”