The 2005 edition of "America's Best Colleges," the annual rankings issue published by U.S. News and World Report, isn't out yet, but I have an advance copy of the results. I'm sworn to secrecy, but I can reveal a few tidbits.

Among national universities, the top four are Ivies. There's some movement within the top 10, but the membership is essentially the same. The best public university checks in at number 21.

Similarly, the top 10 national liberal arts colleges remain more or less intact. But there's now a tie at number two and one Maine institution inched up a bit.

The rankings issue should hit the newsstands next month. Stay tuned.