University Rankings: 5 Things You Need to Know

Every year students thinking of applying to college turn to university rankings to tell them which one is best. But while rankings such as the QS, U.S. News, Times Higher Education, and Shanghai Rankings are immensely popular, do you know what they really mean?

1.Not the Full Picture

Rankings are not an absolute measure of where universities stand. In fact, they don’t even cover the full picture and instead focus on specific metrics that are quantifiable such as research output, graduation rates, faculty awards, and so on.

The point is this: The metrics that university rankings use to score institutions and determine which one is best may not align with what’s important to you. Frankly you should look at these rankings in the same way you would online reviews for restaurants – they can be helpful, but you shouldn’t rely solely on them.

2.Different Strokes for Different Folks

In addition to not providing the full picture, each ranking follows its own unique methodology. Some may evaluate different metrics, or even weigh metrics differently. For example, the QS Rankings are known for focusing on how hirable graduates are, while the Times Higher Education Rankings favor research quality more.

As you can imagine this makes every ranking biased in its own special way, and it’s the reason why a university in the top 10 of one ranking may not be in the top 50 of another.

3.Money isn’t Factored

The vast majority of university rankings don’t factor in the cost of attending university. But top universities in London or elsewhere in the UK, US, or Australia all command a top-tier price – especially for international students.

Because price isn’t a factor, rankings favor these institutions while disregarding the fact that you may get a better return on your investment at universities outside the top echelon. Mid-tier schools, public universities, and small colleges frequently rank lower but may provide a similar education for a fraction of the cost alongside great career placement rates, generous scholarships, or ample financial aid.

4.Global Rankings Don’t Have Local Relevance

Global university rankings inevitably favor ‘big name’ universities – especially those from the UK, US, and Australia. And while these universities are certainly prestigious and have a lot going for them, they may not have the local relevance that can provide connections to industries of your choice.

It is also worth noting that sometimes global prestige does not play the same way in different countries. Employers in some countries may not give the same weight to ‘top-ranked’ schools from other countries and may prefer graduates of local institutions instead. Because of this you should factor in the region you intend to eventually work in, and how much weight a degree or masters from various universities carry with the local employers.

5.Student Experience is Not Reflected Much

Always remember that most rankings don’t really reflect the student experience – or what you can expect yours to be like. Some may be in locations that feel isolated, others may have a cutthroat competitive culture that stresses you out, and some may even have a lack of food options.

None of that will typically weigh heavily in university rankings, and yet they could have a huge impact on your experience as a student. That’s why as much as rankings can be a useful guide and maybe help you narrow down your options in some ways – it is a bad idea to rely on them too much.

Conclusion

At the end of the day it doesn’t hurt to use rankings as a reference, but be sure to do ample research. Look for information about universities online, talk to former students, attend open days, and weigh everything against what matters most to you – be it campus culture, affordability, academic style, or other factors.

Ultimately the ‘best’ university isn’t going to be the one that tops any of the rankings. It is the university that allows you to grow and thrive.