Choosing the right university isn’t easy. According to Forbes, over 748,000 unique applicants applied to 841 academic institutions via the Common App last year.
This means that most students apply to multiple universities and colleges in hopes of landing on the right campus.
But how do students and families know they are applying to the best colleges for their needs?
On your journey towards higher education, there are many factors to consider as you search for the best college. Prospective students like you need to know about academics, extracurriculars, and even the social scene to ensure your chosen school is the best fit.
That’s where university ranking systems come in, like our data scientists put together for the 2023 World University Ranking. These data-driven rankings help paint a clear picture of the colleges and universities, offering insights to help students just like you choose the best university or college.
So what is a university ranking system, do they matter, and what goes into the rating system? Let’s find out.
What Is A University Ranking System?
A university ranking system, like our very own world university ranking survey, uses specific points to give students a comprehensive view of a school and compares it to similar academic institutions.
Each study uses a unique methodology to arrive at the rankings. The best rankings use specific criteria to help students look beyond academics.
Some even use student data collected directly from university attendees to offer a view from inside the institution.
For instance, our data scientists used responses from over 72,340 users who attend 1,308 unique universities, plus net promoter score data to accurately place each school in its world ranking system.
Some global rankings focus on specific higher education institutions, like medical or graduate schools. But no matter what, the ranking methodology is meant to offer essential insights for prospective students looking for the best colleges and universities for their needs.
Let’s look at why college rankings are so important to applicants and why they matter.
Why Do College Rankings Matter?
Each year, college hopefuls turn to university ranking lists to see where their preferred schools fall and decide how to proceed.
Because university rankings use standard metrics for comparison, they allow students to research schools on an even playing field. They are the starting point that helps lead students toward the best university choice for them.
College rankings offer a well-rounded view of what a university has to offer beyond core academics. They also help international students better understand an academic institution from afar.
This data allows students to save money and time by only applying to universities and colleges that fit their needs without having to shell out money to visit each campus.
While schools may have similar overall scores, nuances in the data may tip the scales for future college students and help guide them toward the right school.
What Elements Do School Rankings Consider?
As you decide which schools to apply to, you look for required SAT scores, proximity to home, and degree programs.
But the right degree program is just one factor college hopefuls need to consider as they build their list for the college admissions process. While these elements are essential to school selection, much more goes into a robust college experience.
Ranking systems are tools that high school students and their families can use to narrow down their top schools and generate in-depth comparisons to find the best university for their needs.
Our team conducted a survey with over 5,000 US university students to find out what they consider when choosing a college or university.
What factors matter most to students when choosing a university or college? Results from the Studocu World University Ranking 2023 study. Published January 2023.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the elements university rankings consider when they rate schools.
Academic Reputation
Of course, the first thing university rankings consider is each university’s course offerings and academic reputation.
University rankings consider the quality of the academic courses, class size, and student-faculty ratio. They also influence student satisfaction with course availability, teaching styles, and learning outcomes.
Additionally, these rankings offer insights for students interested in e-learning, so you can get a feel for what to expect from online education.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Affordability is a huge factor for many high school students looking to continue their studies.
College rankings consider the availability of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for those who need assistance paying for college.
Student Outcomes
Graduation rates reflect how many students stick with the school until they earn their degree.
Also known as retention rate, university rankings look for high percentages to ensure students are satisfied with their education.
Additionally, graduate outcomes are important. This metric accounts for students who graduate from this institution and pursue their desired career fields. These outcomes show prospective students that graduates use their earned degrees, meaning the investment in the university was worthwhile.
Location & Housing
Comparing your top schools is about more than just academics
College rankings also consider student quality of life. This includes the housing, campus layout, and location in proximity to transportation and entertainment.
This helps students see what they can expect from the surrounding area. So if they are looking for a college set in the heart of a city, they can turn to the rankings for a closer look at the area when deciding between their top schools.
Lifestyle, Athletics, & Social Scene
Building connections on campus is a huge part of college life, especially for first-year students looking for support and camaraderie.
Not all university rankings consider the college dating scene or amount of social opportunities available, but prospective students need to know what’s out there.
Social opportunities, like fraternities/sororities, social clubs, and student organizations, can help bring like-minded individuals together to form a community.
University rankings also consider athletics. Some prospective students are looking for a rich sports culture to become a part of as a spectator or participants. So you can use ranking systems to determine how important athletics are on campus.
Diversity, Accessibility, And Inclusion
Another factor that impacts college rankings is their ability to accommodate all learners. This means having a campus that is accessible, embraces diversity, and includes students with various needs.
Not only is this important for the students who require these considerations, but it demonstrates to all students that the institution values everyone and strives to create a balanced environment.