Why Did CUNY and SUNY Schools Drop in Ranking and Prestige?
The decline in rankings and prestige of CUNY (City University of New York) and SUNY (State University of New York) schools can be attributed to several factors, including funding cuts, enrollment challenges, increased competition, perception issues, changes in ranking methodologies, and a shift in focus from teaching to research.
1. Funding Cuts
Both CUNY and SUNY have faced significant budget cuts over the years, which have impacted their ability to maintain facilities, hire faculty, and offer competitive programs. This can lead to a perception of decreased quality in education, as students and educators may experience a decline in the infrastructure and resources available to them.
2. Enrollment Challenges
Changes in demographics and shifts in student preferences have led to declining enrollment in some programs, which can affect funding and resources. For instance, the increasing preference for private institutions and online education options can draw students away from public universities, leading to further financial strain.
3. Increased Competition
The rise of private institutions and online education options has intensified competition. Many students now have more choices, which can draw them away from public universities. This competition can also affect the standing of public universities in ranking systems, as they are often evaluated based on student outcomes, resources, and reputation.
4. Perception Issues
There can be a stigma associated with public universities, particularly in urban areas. This perception can influence rankings and can affect how students and educators perceive the quality of education. Even if the actual quality of education remains constant, reputation and selectivity can play a significant role in rankings.
5. Changes in Ranking Methodologies
Ranking organizations frequently update their criteria for evaluating institutions. If CUNY and SUNY schools do not adapt to these changes, they may drop in rankings even if their actual quality remains constant. It is crucial for these institutions to stay current with the latest evaluation metrics to maintain their standing.
6. Focus on Research vs. Teaching
Some public universities have shifted their focus more towards research, which can detract from undergraduate teaching quality and student experience. This shift can affect the overall prestige of the institution, as students and educators may prioritize a strong teaching environment over research-oriented programs.
The Case of CUNY: Affordability and Relevance
Regarding CUNY schools in New York City, there has never been a time when they were considered to be prestigious. Their purpose is to provide a high-quality education to cost ratio. Nowadays, few students can say they graduated with a degree in X with little or no debt. In fact, CUNY schools are so affordable that it is possible to work a part-time job and pay the semester’s tuition and fees.
The CUNY Graduate Center, for example, ranks in the top 15 of US universities while maintaining the lowest quartile for graduate study costs. This affordability is a significant advantage over many other private institutions and public universities. Additionally, CUNY programs can offer a high-quality education, even if they may not be as prestigious as some well-known institutions.
For instance, at Queens College CUNY, my experience was quite amazing. Despite not being a prestigious university, I was able to work with professors with PhD degrees from top schools at a fraction of the cost. Rankings are just one measure of a university's quality, and they may not reflect the true value of the education provided.
Ultimately, the success of a student depends on the quality and depth of knowledge they gain, not just on the rank and prestige of the institution. It is the depth and breadth of knowledge that truly matter, not the ranking. If I am learning from someone who has a greater depth and breadth of knowledge than myself, I consider that a total success, irrespective of the rank and prestige of the university.