BEMIDJI, Minn. - Bemidji State University advanced into Tier 1 among Midwestern master’s institutions in U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009 survey.

Five years ago, I challenged the campus to work toward a goal of being recognized as a premier student-centered state university, Bemidji State University President Dr. Jon E. Quistgaard said. Our U.S. News and World Report ranking reflects the collective desire of the faculty, staff and administration at Bemidji State University to continue providing access to incredible learning opportunities for our students. It also reflects the achievement of Bemidji State’s 44,000 alumni around the world.

In a time of increasing expectations and significant challenges, being ranked amongst the top tier of institutions of our type in the Midwest is no easy achievement, Quistgaard said.

Bemidji State was one of seven schools in Minnesota that appeared in the regional lineup.

The U.S. News and World Report survey ranks schools based on peer assessment, retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rate performance and alumni giving rate.