<p>All of the top public universities have dropped in the ranking over the last 15 years because of changes in methodology and reductions in state funding. </p>
<p>Also, US News gives points for the percentage of alums that contribute each year financially. Privates typically have higher giving rates than publics. If you want your public university to go up in the ratings, make at least a token donation each year and encourage your fellow alums to do the same thing.</p>