1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

The University Ranking Game: Should you play it?

The University Ranking Game: Should you play it?

October 27th, 2021

An online search generates hundreds of competing, ranking-based service providers, some more popular than others.  Rankings of colleges and universities is its own industry.  Hundreds of organizations have joined the ranking game to generate sales of products and advertising revenue.  Many are legitimate, some not so much, and students buying into the ranking game should understand how ranks are created and decide if those ranks reflect any value on where they should earn their higher education degree.

Popular ranking organizations include: Academic Ranking of World Universities, Center for World University Rankings, College Choice Rankings, Fiske Guide to Colleges Best Buys, Global Citizens for Human Rights Global University Rankings, Princeton Review Best Colleges, QS World University Rankings, The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, US News Best Grad School Rankings, and others.  There is no agreed-upon standard or set of criteria for determining rankings, and each provider has its own formula.  However, if you don’t know the criteria behind a ranking, how would you know that the ranking should matter for you?

Of the above-mentioned rankings, one is partially based upon the number of patents owned by the universities.  Another considers the number of alumni and staff who have received Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals.  Another factors in the percentage of international faculty.  One is based upon surveys with students evaluating their own schools.  Another includes universities which pay several thousand dollars to be listed.  You should ask yourself, how much weight should these rankings have toward a decision on where to apply?

Harvard Medical School lecturer and graduate curriculum professional, Dr. R. Jason Heustis, states: “Rankings are not the only metric that you can use to determine whether a program is the right fit, the place where you will be most productive, or the environment where you will happiest.”  Bowling Green State University Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate Enrollment, Keith E. Ramsdell, states: “A ranking should never be the deciding factor when making a final decision on where to attend.  It should always be considered among many characteristics, such as academic reputation, campus environment, quality faculty, research opportunities and student diversity, just to name a few.”  Educational consultant and educator at Tennessee State University, Dr. Jewel Green Winn, adds: “For First Generation families, international students, and all students facing unique challenges, they should consider the availability of services provided by the universities, such as counseling, tutoring, and success coaching.”

Although a ranking may reflect quality, the agreed-upon mechanism for validating quality throughout the U.S. is called accreditation.  In general terms, accreditation is granted after a thorough review and assessment of quality indicators by peer institutions and it validates standards of quality accepted by the other accreditation organizations.  Many national, discipline-based accreditations exist but there are six regional accrediting organizations recognized throughout higher education with genuine accrediting authority:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (a former unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools);
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education;
  • Higher Learning Commission (a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools);
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities;
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges; and
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (multiple commissions).

The bottom line is … students wanting a university degree in the U.S. must do their homework.  Play the ranking game if you want, but do not place too much emphasis on rankings.  Instead, do more homework!  First make sure the university is accredited, then look deeper to see if its academic program is the right fit for you.  Check faculty credentials, laboratory and research facilities, the campus and surrounding community, tuition and costs of living, student services, outcomes and job placement rates.  Do your homework, research your options, create your own ranking, and … apply early!  If necessary, expand your list and try again.

Follow us:
Written by

Robert Hassen

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW VIETNAMESE MAGAZINE
READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW VIETNAMESE MAGAZINE
Main image for the article titled READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE
READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE

Lihat Sekolah-sekolah Ini

Rice University Intensive English Program

Rice University

$1,000—$5,000 Session

English Programs Online Summer
Contact
University of Dayton

University of Dayton

$50,000—$60,000 Year

Secondary/Boarding Bachelor Degree Masters
Contact
University of West Georgia

University of West Georgia

$15,000—$20,000 Year

Masters Bachelor Degree
Contact

Related Stories

Moving to the USA? Tips for Finding an Apartment and How to Settle in Quickly and Easily

Main image for the article titled Moving to the USA? Tips for Finding an Apartment and How to Settle in Quickly and Easily
Understanding the F-1, J-1 and M-1 Visas

Main image for the article titled Understanding the F-1, J-1 and M-1 Visas
STEM OPT: How to work in the USA for three years with an F-1 visa

Main image for the article titled STEM OPT: How to work in the USA for three years with an F-1 visa
How to Study Law in the USA

Main image for the article titled How to Study Law in the USA

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Renters Insurance

Renters Insurance

SURE offers hassle-free renters insurance that'll protect your clothes, furniture, and even yourself from unexpected damages and injuries. The SURE team will get you set up with a free quote and the correct coverage that you need!

Read more
Partner service logo for Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive. Make sure you have a good insurance plan.

Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive. Make sure you have a good...

Study-USA HealthCare™ offers medical coverage to international students for as low as $1.12 USD per day. Get your free quote and enroll today!

Read more
Partner service logo for STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com

STUDENT.com is the world’s leading marketplace for international student housing, helping students find their perfect home abroad. We have the widest and most carefully selected range of rooms that were built and are managed specifically for students...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Studyusa.com has given me a lot of useful resources that helped me find the best college for me. I learned about the United States' educative system and how I could benefit from going to a community college first then transfer later.

Glodi Kayembe Congo

Study in the USA has a lot of interesting information and helpful resources that we can access! What I loved the most was they provided lots of information about schools, and It helped me to choose my current school!

Sunwoo Kim South Korea

I learned a lot about how to apply, how to make things easier at Study in the USA. That was a plus at the time of my application.

Md Nazmul Islam Bangladesh

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2022 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.