MUNCIE, Ind. – In its most extensive look at technology on American campuses yet, Yahoo! Internet Life magazine ranked Ball State University No. 17 in its annual survey of "most wired" colleges and universities.

Now in its fourth year, the survey's participation nearly tripled this year with more than 1,300 of 3,600 invited U.S. schools responding to the Yahoo! questionnaire as they sought inclusion in the top 100.

Schools provided answers to a broad range of questions related to computer availability, personal computer usage, e-mail usage and access, Web space usage, networking and Web-related courses.

This year, Yahoo! divided the rankings into two lists – the top 50 universities/research schools and the top 50 colleges/baccalaureate schools.

This is the first time Ball State has appeared on the list and was one of only two university/research schools to debut. The other was James Madison University at No. 48.

"I think the most important thing about this ranking is it is a real indicator to others that Ball State is one of the best wired universities in the country," said Duane Eddy, executive assistant for information technology to Ball State's president. "The intent is to provide students, faculty and staff with the technologies needed for each to be successful."

Adding the capability of online registration for students, increased availability of technology in the classroom and the introduction of wireless technology to classrooms and laboratories during the past year, when considered with the university's many other technology offerings, helped put Ball State in the top 100, said Eddy.

"This will help prospective students recognize Ball State's concern about technology issues and serve as a recruiting tool," added Eddy.

And, today's technology-savvy high school students are definitely asking questions about computing capabilities, says Brandon Lagana, senior assistant director of admissions.

"Prospective students and their families ask about computer access and availability both in the residence halls and across campus all the time," said Lagana. "Many ask what kinds of computers, hardware, software and connections are available. At the speed with which technology changes and Ball State keeps up, most students are relying on the campus computer resources to exceed their needs."

Ball State was one of only three Indiana universities on the list. The others were Indiana University at Bloomington (No. 4) and Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (No. 46).

The full survey results will be posted April 18 at www.wiredcolleges.com.

By Nancy Prater, Web Editor

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Duane Eddy by e-mail at deddy@bsu.eduor by phone at (765) 285-1034.)