Illinois rated "Top Wired College"

PC Magazine recognized Illinois as the "top wired college" in the nation for 2008. Illinois had been ranked sixth in the 2006 rankings.

The rankings compiled by PC Magazine in conjunction with The Princeton Review. Online surveys were sent out to contacts at more than 350 schools. The surveys covered a variety of technology aspects on campuses around the nation. Questions on the survey focused on areas of academics, student resources, tech support, and infrastructure.

Illinois was particularly noted for the strength of its courses on parallel computing and data mining. However, the University was criticized for the current availability of wireless access out of doors.

ECE Department Head Richard Blahut said, "Our goal is to be the best in teaching and research. Having the right infrastructure is only one step in this direction, but an important step. In our technologically driven society, it is important that resources be available to Illinois students enabling them to succeed in their studies and in their future careers. Illinois is committed to providing these resources. It is gratifying and shows that the University is moving in the right direction in terms of technology."

The schools that filled out the top five spots were Kansas State University, the University of Utah, Bentley College, and Pomona College. The complete rankings for the top 20 schools can be seen online at the PC Magazine Web site.