US News' Best Colleges Rankings (National Universities) Methodology
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US News' Best Colleges Rankings (National Universities) Methodology

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jan 21, 2021 18:07 IST

Earlier we have discussed the business ranking methodology by US News and the best global universities rankings by US news. In this article of simplifying the methodology used by the renowned ranking publishers, we will discuss how US News calculated the best colleges’ rankings. US News has been publishing these rankings for the last 36 years. They assessed more than 1400 higher education institutions in the US on different parameters. During this process, they have taken feedback from researchers, education experts, and academicians.

Ranking indicators

Ranking indicators used by the US News to calculate best colleges' (national universities) rankings and weightage given to each indicator.

US News Ranking Indicators

Weightage

Graduation and retention rates

22%

Social mobility

5%

Graduation rate performance

8%

Undergraduate academic reputation

20%

Faculty resources for the current academic year

20%

Student selectivity for the current entering class

7%

Financial resources per student

10%

Average alumni giving rate

3%

Graduate indebtedness

5%

Total

100%

Let us understand these indicators:

Graduation and retention rates

This is one of the most important indicators of measuring the school's performance by the success of retaining and graduating students. Here, US News analyses the proportion of students completing the degree in six years or less.

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Graduation rate performance: US News analyses the university's six-year graduation rate. It averages graduation rate data for two years and compares it with its own prediction for those years.

Social mobility: This indicator measures graduated students who received federal subsidies (Pell grants). These federal grants are given to students with a family incomes of less than $50,000. Usually, Pell grants are given to students with family incomes of less than $20,000.








(Pell Grant is a subsidy given by the US federal government to students with financial needs.)

Graduate indebtedness: US News has recently added this indicator. This indicator analyses the average amount of debt accumulated among the graduating class. The graduate program's affordability and the value of the graduate program are big factors among students.







Faculty Resources: US News measures this factor using five indicators class size, student-faculty ratio, faculty salary, the proportion of full-time faculty, and faculty with the highest degree in their respective fields.

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Expert opinion: Opinions of experts and academicians matter, as they are the ones who closely follow the quality of the university's teaching. In this indicator, US News analyses the opinion of the academics.

Financial resources: US News analyses the financial resources of the college by measuring per-student spending. The spending indicates how much a wide variety of programs a college can offer. Also, it takes into account the per-student spending on research, instruction, and other educational expenditures.

Student Excellence: The academic atmosphere of a university is measured by its admissions. Candidates with high grades and standardized test scores have the highest chances of getting admission. In this factor, US News analyses the average test (SAT and ACT) scores of candidates. US News also considers the high school scores of candidates.

Alumni giving: Here, US News measures the percentage of alumni having bachelor's degrees who give (donations) to their schools. This indicator measures the graduates' satisfaction level.

Apart from the US best colleges rankings, US News also publishes other prominent rankings like best global universities rankings and best business school rankings.

Also Read

Q:   What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?

A:

The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.

Q:   What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?

A:

There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.

Q:   Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?

A:

According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:

Q:   Is University of North Dakota good for Indian students?

A:

The University of North Dakota is one of the top choices for international students to pursue their higher education. The UND warmly welcomes its international students as they have contributed a lot to the success of the university. Moreover, the university offers a top-notch environment, the best academic opportunities, technical & career training, etc. The university boasts over 1000 international students who represent more than 95 countries. Additionally, international students highly enjoy the facilities provided by the University of North Dakota. The UND is one of the largest research universities in the United States for international students.

Q:   How much is the application fee for Alabama University?

A:

The Alabama University application fee for International students vary by application type. Mentioned below are the application fee for UG and PG applications at Alabama:

  • UG: USD 40 or INR 3,342.14
  • MBA: USD 80 or INR 6,684.28

Q:   Can I get into Oregon State with a 3.5 GPA?

A:

International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:

ProgramMinimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0)
Undergraduate2.5 - 3.0
Graduate2.5 - 3.0

Read about the Grading System in the USA

Q:   What is Northwest Missouri acceptance rate?

A:

The Northwest Missouri acceptance rate for international students is around 80%. This shows that the university follows a moderate selection criteria when it comes to admission. However, the moderate selection criteria does not imply that the university accepts every application. International students must showcase their excellent academic performance, score high GPA, submit standardized test scores and English language proficiency test scores. In addition, if a student has a history of participation in relevant extracurricular or experience, their selection probability increases by 50%.

Q:   What GPA do I need to get into Northwest Missouri state?

A:

Northwest Missouri State University expects a cumulative GPA of 2 for UG programs and 3 for PG programs on a scale of 4. GPA is one of the top factors when considering students for university admissions. Along with GPA, the university expects a student to provide high school transcripts from previously attended university or school, standardized test scores, English language proficiency test scores, and more. In addition, students with relevant experience in the chosen field are preferred over the studious students.

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Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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MBA courses in US

Winners will first create an opportunity and convert into success with their wit. I crave for the exposure that the overseas education offers with rich diversity. My strength includes determination, the ability to t... Read Full Bio

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