Every year, the US News and World Report publishes their National University Rankings: this is one ranking among a number of verified ranking systems. Given that there is so much choice when it comes to applying to universities in the US, students naturally turn to national and global rankings when making their decisions. At Vela Education, our students often apply to universities in multiple countries so these ranking systems can also help prioritise and focus a student’s applications. These rankings can be helpful. However, understanding the metrics used can help demystify the process and enable students and families to understand what these rankings mean and what they don’t mean.

The QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings are published every year and compare universities across the globe. These rankings can be helpful for students that are applying to schools in multiple countries. The methodology states that these rankings are created based on six data points: Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, Faculty/Student Ration, Citations per faculty, International Faculty Ratio, International Student Ratio.

These rankings focus on the employment at the institution as well as its international focus (student body and faculty). It does not necessarily follow that a strong international focus equates to a higher quality of education. This data is also based on surveys rather than post graduate employment data. Academic Reputation is also weighted the heaviest in these rankings at 40%. Academic Reputation assesses the quality and impact of the research coming out of each institution. This metric will prioritise bigger universities with more graduate programmes which does not necessarily translate to strong undergraduate teaching. These rankings also put smaller liberal art colleges that have fewer research resources at a disadvantage, despite the fact that the undergraduate teaching and opportunities might be more suited to some students. These rankings might help students discover new university choices but should also be paired with rigorous research into each programme.

Times Higher Education: World University Rankings

Times Higher Education also publishes annual rankings and covers over 92 different countries. Their rankings are based on thirteen different data points, the most significant being teaching, research, citations, industry income, and international outlook. Again, it is important to note that three of these significant data points – research, citation, and industry income – do not necessarily affect the quality of undergraduate teaching. These rankings prioritise graduate students, faculty, and a focus on research. This means that a college that places a priority on undergraduate learning with small class sizes and more individual attention might not do as well in these rankings.

US World and News Report

The US World and News Report reports assess 1,466 US institutions based off 17 measures of “academic quality”. 40% of the ranking comes from given “Outcomes”, measuring the student retention rate, student graduation rate, affordability, and social mobility. 20% of the ranking is geared towards “Faculty Resources” which is split into two categories: class size and faculty salary. 20% of the ranking measures “Expert Opinion” which looks at the academic reputation of the school. You can read the full methodology here. Again, not all these factors indicate quality of education.

However, the US World and News Report also publish a ranking based on the quality of undergraduate teaching. This ranking has a much more specific focus. There are also rankings which include by programme, as well as several other factors. However, these only exist for US universities, so it does not place a US college in an international context.

These rankings can be overwhelming, and this is where Vela Education can help! During our strategic consultation and in our follow up report, our advisors help craft a list that is suited to each student’s needs and wants. There are many other factors when considering a university choice. Rankings are important but we also suggest that you think about student satisfaction, post-graduate education, and employment opportunities. We can help navigate through all this information and the many different options.  Consider scheduling a strategic consultation with us to begin the process.