TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama is ranked 31st among public national universities and 75th among all universities, both public and private, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” rankings for 2012.

UA has been ranked among the top 50 public universities in the nation for more than a decade. The 2012 ranking is UA’s highest ever, up from 34th last year.

“Once again, we are pleased with this national recognition of our academic programs,” said UA President Robert E. Witt. “The quality of our students and our faculty and staff has never been higher, and our growing enrollment is a clear indicator that the educational experience at The University of Alabama is meeting the needs of our students and their parents.”