College Ranking

College Ranking A high ranking can mean bragging rights for a school, but it can also bring in increased college applications and a higher caliber of student. Students often view graduating from a highly-regarded college as an essential step to future success. Popular Ranking Systems U.S.News World Report Each fall, U.S. News World Report publishes a highly-anticipated edition of its magazine devoted to the best colleges and universities. An online version is also available with free access to many listings, but a premium paid subscription is required to access expanded rankings, school profiles, and other features. Although students and universities tend to pay most attention to the top overall national or regional rankings, the publication also offers specialized lists for topics like studying abroad. Related Articles College Football Rankings Explained College Football Rankings Explained Top Ranking College for Archeology Top Ranking College for Archeology Understanding College Athletic Divisions Understanding College Athletic Divisions The Princeton Review The Princeton Review publishes The Best Colleges and its related rankings website. Visitors can view profiles of all 361 schools and 62 college rankings lists covering topics far beyond standard academic concerns. Who cares about the best engineering programs when you can find out which schools have the best college radio stations and learn about the dungeon-like dorms you should avoid? (Free registration is required to view individual lists.) Other Lists StudentsReview.com offers a collection of general reviews submitted by students. Data from these reviews is then compiled into dynamic rankings. The Campus Squirrel Listings argue that a school's squirrel population is an indicator of overall quality. While not a serious college ranking service, it does offer an entertaining way to evaluate the atmosphere of a campus. Rankings Versus Accreditation While rankings are numerical in nature, with one school deemed "better" than another, an accreditation process simply means a college or degree program meets a pre-determined set of professional standards. Some accreditations are subject-specific; if you're looking to become a librarian, you need to attend an ALA-accredited library science program. Others are applicable to an entire university, like accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Some may argue about the value of a particular ranking, but accreditation is considered vital in most professional fields. You will also need to attend an accredited college to receive most scholarships and loans.