Northwestern is the 12th best college in the nation for the sixth consecutive year, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The publication released its annual college rankings Monday night. NU tied for 12th with Johns Hopkins University.

Ranking methodology changed this year, giving more weight to standardized test scores and graduation and retention rates and less to high school class standing and peer assessment scores.

Robert Morse, director of data research for U.S. News & World Report, develops the ranking’s methodology. He told The Daily last year that NU’s consistent rating marks a positive sign for the school.

“It’s impressive when any school can maintain its position,” Morse said. “It proves it’s a top school, that it maintains perspective in admissions, retention and graduation rate, and the alumni care about it.”

Princeton University placed first in the national university category, followed by Harvard University and Yale University.

Williams College was ranked as the top national liberal arts college. University President Morton Schapiro was president of the western Massachusetts college for nine years before coming to NU in 2009.

— Joseph Diebold