DeKALB — An updated ranking from U.S. News and World Report place 11 Illinois schools among the best in the world.

NIU falls at number 6 of those 11, above Illinois State University and Southern Illinois University.

The rankings are based on academic research and reputation, according to the U.S. News. The rankings are not based on the data used to compile the best U.S. universities rankings, according to the publication.

NIU ranks between 293 and 381 among national universities.