Navigating the 2020 US News College Rankings: A Student’s Perspective

The US News World Report (US News) college rankings have long been a trusted guide for students and families choosing which universities to apply to. However, the rankings are not without their flaws or room for improvement. In this article, I will share my thoughts on the US News rankings, their value, and potential improvements.

The Value of US News Rankings

First and foremost, I am in favor of the rankings. While these rankings can be a valuable tool for students to make informed decisions about where to apply, it's important to remember that they are not the be-all and end-all of college selection. They can provide critical insights into a university's reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, and diversity of programs, among other factors. In fact, I believe that relying solely on these rankings can be detrimental to students. Many apply strictly to the top 50 schools, missing out on the incredible opportunities offered by universities outside this range. The key factor in making a decision about college is fit. Ultimately, loving your college experience is crucial for success and enjoyment.

Challenges with the Current Rankings

One of the primary criticisms of the US News rankings is that they may not accurately reflect the current landscape of higher education. For instance, the ranking criteria that once favored large libraries are now less relevant in the digital age. While a robust library collection was a significant advantage in an era before the internet, it is not as crucial today. Similarly, the criteria for measuring success should be updated to better reflect contemporary standards and expectations.

Additionally, the rankings do not fully recognize that some of the best universities are public institutions, particularly those that consistently attract the highest number of applications. For example, top-ranked public universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan, and Virginia do not make the top 19 in the US News National rankings, which seems to undervalue the contributions of these institutions. This discrepancy can be attributed in part to the diverse student body and lower tuition costs at public universities. However, it also raises questions about the criteria used in the rankings and whether they adequately reflect the reality on the ground.

Proposed Improvements to the Rankings

To address these shortcomings, I propose a few key changes to the ranking criteria:

Including Student Opinions: One significant factor missing from the current rankings is directly incorporating student opinions. If we consider that students are the end-users of higher education, their feedback should play a crucial role in determining the best universities. I suggest that student votes could be a factor in the rankings, giving more weight to public universities that have a proven track record of being well-received by their students. Acknowledging Application Numbers: Another overlooked aspect is the sheer number of applications a university receives. Universities that receive a high volume of applications, like the University of California (UC) schools and UCLA, should be recognized for their popularity and selectivity, even if their acceptance rates are lower. The rankings should consider the absolute number of applications and rejections, rather than just acceptance rates. Cost of Attendance: The factor of affordability should be more heavily weighted in the rankings. Private universities often have higher tuition costs and less financial aid, while public universities offer significantly lower tuition rates and more generous financial assistance. A ranking that takes cost into account would be more realistic for many students and their families. Emphasizing GPA: While extracurricular activities and essays are valued by many private universities, public universities often have higher overall GPA scores. This could be another factor to consider in the ranking system, as it reflects the overall academic performance of the student body.

By implementing these changes, the US News rankings could provide a more accurate and comprehensive view of the best colleges and universities in the United States. It would also help to level the playing field for public institutions, which often provide high-quality education at a lower cost, despite sometimes being overlooked in the rankings.

Conclusion

While the US News rankings can be an invaluable resource for students and their families, they are not without flaws. By accounting for student opinions, application numbers, cost of attendance, and GPA, the rankings could better reflect the true value of different universities. Ultimately, it is the fit that is most important when deciding where to attend, and finding the right fit should not be overshadowed by rankings alone.