Commitment to immersive learning and leadership in emerging media have earned Ball State University a top spot in U.S. News & World Report.

In the publication's 2008 rankings issue, Ball State is cited as the nation's 14th best "Schools to Watch." The newly launched list of up-and-comers honored colleges and universities that are making the most promising and innovative changes in academics, faculty, students, campus or facilities.

"The ranking recognizes the strides we've made in redefining education in the 21st century. And it comes on the heels of Campus Technology magazine honoring two of our immersive learning initiatives dealing with emerging media," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. "We are receiving more and more recognition for the way we are preparing students for a world that is changing at a breathtaking pace."

In the current issue of Campus Technology, Ball State earned honors for a film course being pioneered in the virtual Internet environs of Second Life by John Fillwalk, director of Ball State's Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts and Animation, and the Digital Corps, a program that trains student apprentices for industry-standard software certifications.

Ball State's first-year programs also received recognition as one of the nation's top programs. This ranking stretches their streak of U.S. News & World Report rankings to five consecutive years. Ball State has a number of innovative and award-winning programs that help first-year students succeed at the college level.

The programs have helped Ball State achieve a 78 percent retention rate, rivaling select public universities and private colleges.

Highlights of the college rankings will be available in U.S. News & World Report Aug. 25, and the 2009 America's Best Colleges guidebook will be available Aug. 26.