HOUSTON, Sept. 22 -- The University of Houston issued the following news release:

Latest rankings reflect gains in student success and UH's growing stature as a top-tier research institution

By Bryan Luhn

Rising among public universities: University of Houston climbed to No. 67 among public universities nationwide in U.S. News & World Report's latest Best Colleges rankings and remains the No. 4 public university in Texas.

Student success is improving: UH's first-year retention rate increased to 87%, its six-year graduation rate rose to 66% and the graduation rate for students receiving federal Pell Grant increased to 64%.

Growing national and global recognition: Latest ranking adds to a year of growing recognition for UH, with strong ...