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

How important are school rankings?

How important are school rankings?

Aug 20, 2020

Understanding the U.S. education system

How important is the ranking of a university? How can I find out about ranking?

Answer: In some countries, there is a great deal of emphasis put on school rankings. Sometimes the government is responsible for school rankings. Attaining some jobs in the public sector will depend on graduation from a highly-ranked institution.

However, in the United States, all school rankings are unofficial. They are produced by book and magazine publishers and sold to the public. Rankings in one publication are often different from those in another. In our opinion, these so-called rankings should not be considered definitive. For example, many of the factors that go into such unofficial estimates do not pertain to international students very strongly at all, and relying on such a ranking could be self-defeating.

We encourage you to look for factors that fit your needs, not just the overall reputation of a particular U.S. university or program. It may well be that a school with a lower unofficial ranking may in fact be the best choice for your particular circumstances. In other words, the U.S. has over 3,000 accredited colleges and universities: don't restrict your search unnecessarily.

If you decide to look at rankings, you can obtain them from almost any bookstore that carries U.S. publications. Again, however, we caution you not to rely on them as highly important factors in your search. There are much better sources of direct information.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA ®

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 a Physical Therapy Degree in the USA?
How Do I Get a Physical Therapy Degree in the USA?
Main image for the article titled How Do I Get a Design Degree in the USA?
How Do I Get a Design Degree in the USA?
Main image for the article titled Chico State Helps Rebuild Communities
Chico State Helps Rebuild Communities
Main image for the article titled American Slang Words You Need to Know in 2023
American Slang Words You Need to Know in 2023
Read more

Check Out These Schools

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University

$25,000—$30,000 Year

Certificate/Short Term Bachelor Degree Online
Contact
Palomar College

Palomar College

$15,000—$20,000 Year

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
University of Alabama English Language Institute

University of Alabama

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Bachelor Degree English Programs Masters
Contact

Featured Programs

Florida Institute of Technology

Typical cost per Semester: $40,000—$45,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Online
Learn More

Golden West College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Summer
Learn More

University of Mississippi

Typical cost per Semester: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Related Stories

Better to Study Alone or in a Group?

Main image for the article titled  Better to Study Alone or in a Group?
How to Host a Party or Gathering in Your Apartment

Main image for the article titled How to Host a Party or Gathering in Your Apartment
Who to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Main image for the article titled Who to Ask for a Recommendation Letter
6 Signs of a Good College Study Group

Main image for the article titled 6 Signs of a Good College Study Group

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 Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Choose an entire apartment, a studio, a shared room, or a private room, with 24x7 assistance from Personal Student Advisors. Book Now!

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
Partner service logo for There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming event!

There’s a business school for everyone. Meet yours at a free upcoming...

Ready to make your MBA dreams a reality? Register now for a virtual or in-person event with The MBA Tour! Don’t miss your chance to speak directly with leading business schools, such as Harvard University, Boston University, Columbia University, UC...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

The Study in the USA website always provides me with information about universities.

Rachida Ousman Cameroon

It helped me realize the opportunities that were present to an international student like me and helped me evaluate my options to finding the best college for me

Muskan Uprety Nepal

StudyUSA helped me by proving numerous information, articles and explanation about studies and life in the United States.

Mustafa Said Algeria

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
Ask StudyUSA.com

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

© 2023 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.